The City of Edinburgh Council Services for Communities today issued a warning concerning potentially deadly toy mobile phones which could be on sale in the city.

The toy mobile phones, which are made in China, have no screw to hold the battery cover in place and are fitted with a single small round battery, rather than conventional AA or AAA batteries. The danger is that if the battery falls out of the device and is swallowed, it could not only pose a choking hazard but also cause chemical burns.

These toys have been found for sale in the London borough of Ealing.

Trading Standards officers have been carrying out urgent checks on retail outlets in Edinburgh to determine whether any of the toys are currently available for sale in the city.

It is understood that the toys are most likely to be found for sale in discount shops.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader, said: "These toy mobile phones are potentially deadly. Our officers are now checking shops across the city to see if any are for sale. If anyone has purchased a toy mobile phone recently, we would advise them to check the battery cover to see if it is fitted with a screw. If it is not, there is a risk that it is one of the devices in question.

Anyone with concerns is urged to contact Services for Communities on 0131 529 3030, or 0131 200 2000 out of hours."