TRADING Standards Officers are alerting the public and retailers to the potential hazards posed by the latest craze -- yo-yo ball toys.

The warning comes following a complaint from a Preston consumer whose seven-year-old daughter had the toy wrapped around her neck half a dozen times.

The youngster was left with abrasions.

The toys consist of a brightly coloured, liquid-filled rubber ball attached to a stretchy rubber cord. They are typically sold for between £1 and £2.

The Trading Standards Service has been advised of several incidents throughout the UK where the toys have nearly strangled children after the cords have become wrapped around their necks.

The ball is thrown and returned by the elastic cord which stretches very thinly without easily breaking.

If the yo-yo ball is swung about the head, the cord can wind tightly around the neck and throat.

Examples of the toy have been examined by a paediatric safety consultant, who concluded that they were clearly dangerous.

Lancashire Trading Standards Officers have contacted importers who are taking steps to remove the toys from sale.