THOUSANDS of yo-yo type toys have been taken off shop shelves after a child almost choked.
Tradings standards officials for Middlesbrough Council have seized or suspended the sale of about 3,000 yo-yo balls. Others have been handed in voluntarily by traders after a spate of accidents, including one where it became wrapped around the neck of a six-year-old girl in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, and began choking her.
There have been similar incidents in Hartlepool and Durham.
There may be formal action against suppliers or retailers and standards chief John Wells said: "If anyone does see them for sale, they should contact us immediately.
"We would also urge parents not to let their children play with them. They've already been associated with some quite frightening incidents and present a significant risk."
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