The City of Edinburgh Council has issued a warning after Community Safety officers discovered unsafe toys were being sold at a stall in the city centre.

The toys which failed safety tests are described as knitted glove puppets. When subjected to rigorous safety testing by the Public Analyst, they were found to be unsafe as the plastic eyes on the toys were easily removed and as such presented a potential choking hazard to young children. They were also not properly marked with the name of the manufacturer or importer, any warnings or a CE mark.

The puppets were seized from a market stall on the Mound on Wednesday 22nd August. However, efforts by Community Safety officers to trace the stallholder have so far drawn a blank.

People who purchased the toys are being urged to bring them in to Services for Communities at Chesser House, 500 Gorgie Road, where they will be securely disposed of.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader, said: "Anyone who might have bought one of these toys is urged to contact the Council for advice. Regrettably, this stallholder has not yet been traced but the toys can be brought in to Chesser House for secure disposal. The Council will continue to monitor the safety of products on sale in the city."

For advice or further information on this matter, please contact Community Safety, Services for Communities on 0131 529 3030.