Thousands of cute but potentially deadly teddy bears - which could choke a child - have been uncovered during a routine customs check at Dover.

More than 2,000 of the unstuffed bears were seized by KCC trading standards officers at the port.

The eyes and nose are badly attached - which is a potential choking hazard - and sharp points protrude from the bear’s scarf.

The bears – 2,193 in total - originally came from China and were being customs cleared into the EU at Dover.

According to documentation, they were headed for the Czech Republic to be stuffed and could then be sold anywhere in Europe.

The Border Force team inspected the goods and the seized items were passed to KCC Trading Standards for investigation.

KCC Trading Standards manager Mark Rolfe said: “As well as small sharp points from the neck decoration and poorly attached eyes and nose, the pile comes off, which is also a choking hazard.

"Working with our partners at Border Force, this is part of our ongoing work at the borders to protect consumers in Kent, the UK and the wider EU.

“They have been refused entry to the EU and entered on the EU database of dangerous consignments. It is now up the importer what is done with them.”

Director of Border Force South East and Europe Paul Morgan said: “Border Force’s interception of these toys has prevented them entering the UK marketplace and potentially causing harm to the unwary purchaser.

“Border Force will continue to work with our enforcement colleagues at KCC Trading Standards to identify inferior and possibly dangerous products.”