Skip to main contentEnter
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of independent local journalism in Ipswich

The Smokehouse

View upcoming gigs in Ipswich

Events from Brighten The Corners Presents and other promoters across The Baths, St Stephen’s Church and The Smokehouse venues.

Parents warned as unsafe inflatable children's costumes seized in Suffolk

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk Trading Standards has confiscated 425 dangerous inflatable costumes for children due to a high risk of asphyxiation. The products, imported from China, failed to meet UK safety regulations.

The big picture: Suffolk Trading Standards' Imports Team intercepted a shipment of 425 unsafe children's inflatable costumes before they could reach consumers. They were intended for sale on Amazon but their overly long drawstrings posed an increased of asphyxiation.

Shark costume poster
The Chinese imported products failed to meet UK safety regulationsSuffolk Trading Standards

Key details:

  • The costumes failed to meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

  • Excessively long drawstrings around the neck could tighten, potentially strangling or injuring children.

  • Amazon has removed the product listings.

  • The seized goods have been destroyed.

What you can do:

  • If you've purchased a potentially unsafe product, stop using it immediately.

  • Report concerns to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

  • Only buy from reputable retailers and when shopping on online marketplaces, check seller details for a UK address.

  • Read product reviews carefully and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.

Brighten the Corners logomark

View upcoming gigs in Ipswich

Events from Brighten The Corners Presents and other promoters across The Baths, St Stephen’s Church and The Smokehouse venues.

The Smokehouse

Today’s supporter

Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

View gigs