Alert over dangerous Teletubbies

Counterfeit Teletubbies seized from market stalls in Norfolk

Bogus and potentially dangerous Teletubbies toys have been seized from market stalls in Norfolk.

Trading standards warn the toys might contain dangerous levels of lead and chromium after figures were seized at markets in Snetterton and Norwich.

A spokesman said the toys should be thrown away as tests showed potentially dangerous levels of the metals.

He said: "Toys may have been purchased elsewhere too. Trading standards officers have taken stock off sale."

Tests showed one toy, which cost less than £5, contained more that 10 times the legal limit of lead, said the spokesman.

An investigation is under way to trace the suppliers of the toys who are ignoring European safety rules.

"Toy manufacturers in the UK and US have been recalling millions of toys due to lead and chromium concerns since 2004," the spokesman said.

"Producers of illegal counterfeit toys will of course not do this, but Norfolk trading standards officers carry out extensive testing of toys and other goods as part of their routine work to detect and remove unsafe products from sale."

Parents buying toys for children should look for the CE Mark.

"The Lion Mark, found on some packaging, should mean it is made by a member of the British Toy and Hobby Association and shows that it meets current safety standards and that the age rating is the safe age for the child to use the toy."