Dummies 'could kill' children

About 50 of the dummies have been seized

A warning has been issued about the dangers to children of a type of flashing baby's dummy used by some clubbers.

Trading standards officers say the dummies could cut, choke or even kill a child.

They have seized about 50 that were being sold by unlicensed street traders in Birmingham city centre.

The dummies, which look like baby soothers, are brightly-coloured with flashing lights and are intended for the nightclub scene.

'Strangulation hazard'

They cost £1.50 each and their flashing lights are activated by a button.

Trading standards officer Diane Telford said: "There's three ways in which they're dangerous.

"Firstly, the nipple part comes out and could be a choking hazard.

"Secondly, the cord - a child puts it round his neck and it can be a strangulation hazard.

"And thirdly, there's actually batteries in the thing which the child could swallow and either choke on them or get poisoned by the batteries."

Parents are being urged not to let their children near them, and people who are trying to sell them are being warned they face prosecution.