Children’s hats sold in Thanet and modelled on favourite cartoon characters are potential killers, its been revealed

The particular type of hat, featuring the likes of Spongebob Squarepants, Hello Kitty and Minions from Despicable Me, could act as a noose and strangle a child.

Kent County Council’s trading standards officers seized 30 of the hats from where they were being sold openly on a market stall in Thanet.

They have now issued a countywide alert, after it was revealed the fastening on the hat does not come loose - and could act as a noose if caught.

Officers seized 30 of the hats, which are made in China and sell for between £5 and £10, from the Thanet market stall. More specific details of the seizure are not being released.

There are now fears they could be on sale in other markets across Kent.

Safety tests showed the hats, which are designed to be fastened under the chin, do not release if caught on play equipment or in a car door.

The ties then form a “noose”, which does not break under pressure.

Trading Standards Manager Mark Rolfe said: “These hats present a very real risk of strangulation to children.

“We are very concerned that they will have made highly appealing Christmas gifts and that any child wearing one will be in danger.

“Strangulation caused by badly-designed clothing has caused the death of children.

“We recommend that, if you have any of these hats in your home, you dispose of them immediately and report the purchase to Trading Standards.”

For further advice, or to report the sale of other potentially dangerous items, please contact Trading Standards on 08454 040506.