Fake Labubu dolls 'could pose choking hazard'

Labubu dolls have become a global sensation

Fake Labubu dolls which could pose a serious risk to children have been seized by trading standards, officers have warned.

The furry dolls have became a global sensation and been bought by celebrities including Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian.

Trading Standards officers in Coventry, where the copies were seized, said the surge in popularity of the Chinese-made toys make them a prime target for counterfeiters.

They added small detachable parts on the fakes could cause choking.

People have turned the dolls into a style accessory and are decorating bags with them

Trading standards officers said they only became aware of the counterfeit dolls being on sale in Coventry last week.

Since then, officers have seized about 100 dolls from local traders.

That figure will "increase significantly as public awareness grows", a spokesperson added.

Deputy leader of Coventry City Council, Abdul Salam Khan, urged parents and carers to buy toys from reputable sources only.

He said: "These counterfeit toys may look like the real thing but they are unlikely to have undergone the rigorous safety testing required by law."

Officers found the fake dolls were being sold at significantly reduced prices compared to the genuine products and were missing components such as the correct QR code, which was one tell-tale sign consumers could check for.

People who suspect they have bought counterfeits should contact Citizens Advice, which can pass information to trading standards teams.