Hospitals in the United Kingdom have logged multiple children with severe burns after playing with viral squishy toys.
Some of the toys exploded when people put them in a microwavable oven, causing burns and putting youngsters at risk from mysterious chemicals.
Doctors say the injuries stem from hazardous chemicals in the soft foam marketed via e‑commerce.
Trading Standards officers in Gloucestershire have seized almost 2,000 these items within a nationwide crackdown.
The seizure follows calls from councils and consumer groups to halt sales.
Authorities urge parents to throw away any squishy toy that has been heated or shows signs of chemical leakage.