POTENTIALLY deadly toys have been taken off the streets of Suffolk after they came to the attention of trading standards officers.

POTENTIALLY deadly toys have been taken off the streets of Suffolk after they came to the attention of trading standards officers.

Parents were being warned to stay alert to the dangers of particular types of toys after Suffolk Trading Standards seized the Yo Yo Water Balls.

The toys were withdrawn from sale in 2004 after they were linked to a number of incidents where children were almost strangled.

The toys, which can be sold for as little as £1, consist of a liquid-filled rubber ball with a stretchy string and finger loop.

They are said to be dangerous because the string can wrap around a child's neck and can be difficult to untangle.

Trading standards officers seized a number of the toys from a street seller in Ipswich.

Colin Spence, a Suffolk county councillor and the council's assistant portfolio holder for public protection, said: “These toys are potentially dangerous and it's important that they don't get into the hands of young people.

“I would advise anyone who may have purchased one of these toys to dispose of it carefully before it can do any harm to children.”

The council is keen for anyone who may know of the toys being sold in the county to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 so they can be withdrawn from sale.