Counterfeit toys have been removed from a Stockport store following safety concerns.

Copies of popular toys, including Squishy Dumplings and NeeDoh, are being removed from shops across the country following the discovery that they may contain potentially harmful chemicals.

Tests on some of these products seized elsewhere in the country have identified high levels of Benzene, a known carcinogen.

Stockport Council's Trading Standards team is advising parents, consumers and businesses to be vigilant when buying these toys, saying they should be particularly cautious of products which have a strong chemical smell when opened.

Some of the counterfeit products seized elsewhere in the country have also been found without legally required traceability information or safety markings.

Cllr Dan Oliver, cabinet member for communities, culture and public protection at Stockport Council, said: "Counterfeit products are an issue across the country, and we want parents and shoppers in Stockport to be aware of the potential risks and know what to look out for.

"Whilst these toys may appear harmless, counterfeit versions may not have been through the safety checks required for toys sold in the UK.

"We would encourage people to check products carefully before buying and never place these toys in a microwave.

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"Our trading standards officers use intelligence and reports to focus their work where there are concerns that counterfeit products could present a risk to public safety, and we will take appropriate action where necessary."

Anyone who has bought a product in Stockport which has broken or leaked, or who has concerns that a product may be unsafe, can report it to Stockport Council's Trading Standards team by emailing [email protected].