‘DANGEROUS’ children’s hoodies with banned neck cords which could strangle a young child have been seized from a stall at Wellesbourne Market.
Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers were carrying out an inspection at the market when they discovered the counterfeit hoodies being sold as a set with joggers for £15 for children aged three to six.
Officers say they were surprised to find the ‘dangerous’ hoodies on sale as pull through neck cords in clothing for those under the age of seven have been banned since 1976.
The cords pose a strangulation risk to young children who can get them caught on slides and climbing frames.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust says asphyxia – including choking, strangling and suffocation – is the second most common cause of accidental child death in the UK after road traffic accidents.
All the dangerous clothing was seized and investigations are continuing.
Council spokesman for safety, Andy Crump said: “In Warwickshire, hospital admissions following an injury amongst babies to four-year-olds are currently significantly higher than the national and regional averages.
“I’m delighted therefore that our Trading Standards officers are taking this action to identify and remove dangerous products from shops, markets and from online sellers.”
The council advises anyone who has purchased one of the fake designer hoodies to not allowed their children to wear it or remove the cord.
Visit www.rospa.com or www.capt.org.uk for more information on child safety.
