‘DANGEROUS’: Warning over ‘Huggy Wuggy’ toys sold at Hull Fair
‘HIGH RISK’: One of the ‘Huggy Wuggy’ toys seized from Hull Fair
By Simon Bristow
A warning has been issued after a type of soft toy sold at Hull Fair was found to be dangerous.
More than 400 ‘Huggy Wuggy’ and ‘Huggy Wuggy Baby Long Legs’ toys were seized from the fair, but there are concerns fair-goers will have already taken some home.
Poor stitching on the seams of the toys means stuffing could come out, and sharp wires could be exposed on the ‘Baby Long Legs’ , putting children at risk of suffocation and injury.
‘THESE TOYS ARE NOT SAFE’: City council trading standards officer Chris Wilson
Anyone who has one of the toys should “immediately take it away from their children” and contact national Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service, who will then liaise with Trading Standards, Hull City Council said.
Council Trading Standards Officer Chris Wilson said: “Hull Fair is a local institution and it’s only right that people should be able to enjoy the fair and toys [can be] brought back from there safely.
“We have submitted samples of these toys so that further tests can be carried out, but it’s already clear even without the results that these toys are not safe.
“The poor stitching has enough space for a finger to fit through and the seams are very weak. A small child could easily get access to the filling inside, presenting a significant choking hazard. We’ve identified these products as presenting a high risk of suffocation.
“Additionally, the ‘Baby Long Legs’ version of the toy is constructed with sharp wire which could pierce the skin.
“The toys aren’t correctly labelled and they fall short of the legal safe requirements placed on toys by the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
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“Anyone who acquired either toy at Hull Fair should ensure it is removed from their children immediately and contact Citizen’s Advice in the first instance. Any colour variation could be affected, not just those in the photos.”
The number to call is 0808 223 1133. Reports can also be made online here.
About 400,000 people attended this year’s fair. Humberside Police said eight arrests were made over the week-long event, and 40 dispersal orders were issued. Eighteen people who were reported missing were all were found safe and well.