Hundreds of potentially lethal children’s toys have been seized by Ealing Council’s Trading Standards team.

The dangerous toy mobile phones were seized when officers swooped on around 20 shops and market stalls across the borough on 17 August 2007.

These toys pose a number of serious risks such as:

• choking
• poisoning
• burns and rashes

The small batteries are easily accessible and children will put them in their mouths. It creates a choking hazard but if swallowed could lead to internal chemical burns. The ring tones on a sample of those seized also have the potential to damage the child’s hearing.

Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “This is a lot of cheap £1 tat that could ultimately cost a child’s life.

“The importers are clearly more interested in profit than children’s safety.”

The confiscated toys will be used as evidence in any court action. Officers are continuing their investigations to trace the importers of these toys.

Cllr Emment added: “Parents must be warned about these toys and should contact us with any information that may help our ongoing investigations.

“We will continue to carry out checks among businesses in Ealing to ensure only legitimate and safe products are on sale.”

If you have information on the sales of these dangerous toys please contact Ealing Council’s trading standards team on (020) 8825 6086.