Step2 buggies withdrawn in safety alert

Two types of children's buggies have been removed from the shelves of some British stores after their manufacturer said they 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 has received 28 reports of the handle detaching, two incidents requiring professional 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.

A spokeswoman for Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre said: "Due to the concerns raised in the US over the safety of Step2 red and pink Push Around toy buggy sold at Early Learning Centre and the blue Whisper Ride toy buggy sold at Mothercare, we have decided to remove these products from sale pending further information from Step2.

"At Mothercare and Early Learning Centre product safety is our highest priority and this action has been taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers."

Both buggies are ride-on toys that come in a variety of colours and have a red Step2 logo on the handle.

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