Safety fears force recall of children's buggies

TWO types of children's buggies have been removed from the shelves of some British stores after their manufacturer said they posed a serious risk of injury to infants.

Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre withdrew the Push Around and Whisper Ride buggies from sale after US company Step2 announced a voluntary recall of the products.

According to the firm, the handle can become detached from the buggy if a pin attached to a knob on the handle loosens. It said in a statement: "This poses a serious risk of injury to young children."

No injuries have been reported in the UK, it added, but elsewhere the firm had received 28 reports of the handle detaching, two incidents requiring medical treatment and 26 resulting in minor scrapes and scratches.

"Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed and contact Step2 for a free repair kit," the company said.

The safety concerns do not apply to the newer design of the buggies, on which the handle attaches with a bolt and screw.