Suspected counterfeit toys seized at Hull Fair

Trading Standards officers have seized suspected counterfeit toys worth an estimated £10,000 from stalls at Hull Fair.

The items, which were being sold or offered as prizes at the fair on Walton Street, included large quantities of sensory toys, also known as squishy dumplings, and plush toys.

Officers believe some of the products could pose serious safety risks, including exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals and may not meet UK safety standards.

Councillor Ted Dolman, from Hull City Council, said: "We want to make sure the toys kids play with are safe and remain safe".

The operation followed a number of "concerned reports" from members of the public, prompted by previous concerns about counterfeit toys being sold across the city.

During a sweep of the site on Tuesday evening, Trading Standards officers said many of the toys had poor stitching and inadequate construction, leaving filling materials exposed or easily accessible.

They added that counterfeit products can contain incorrect supplier information and may emit strong chemical odours.

Trading Standards said the suspected counterfeit squishy toys were of particular concern because there was no evidence they had been tested to UK safety standards, raising fears they could contain harmful chemicals.

Squishy Dumplings are collectible toys shaped like bao buns with a cartoon face.

Made from a malleable material, they can be squeezed, stretched, pinched and rolled, and are often used as a stress relief or fidget toy.

Like many toy crazes, their popularity has been fuelled by social media, where creators post videos of themselves opening and collecting them.

Dolman said officers routinely dispose of unsafe counterfeit goods and work with traders to source toys from reputable suppliers.

"We want them accessing good suppliers, so they know the products given away are safe for children across Hull," he said.

Trading Standards advised parents who may have bought the toys "not to panic", but to dispose of them and report it.

Dolman added: "We don't want to stop children having these toys, the real ones are great, but we have to make sure they're safe."

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