IKEA issues recall over child strangulation fears

IKEA has issued a product recall over fears children could be strangled by one of its items.
IKEA has issued an urgent recallIKEA has issued an urgent recall
IKEA has issued an urgent recall

The home furniture giant has recalled a kids’ Batman-style fancy dress cape amid fears it could STRANGLE them after three youngsters suffered neck injuries while using it.

The household superstore chain issued a warning to customers urging them to immediately stop children from playing with the Lattjo capes.

It comes after three Batman wannabes were left with “marks and scratches” when “the cape got stuck and didn’t detach easily enough from the children’s necks”, it said.

The Batman-style cape in questionThe Batman-style cape in question
The Batman-style cape in question

None of the victims needed medical treatment but IKEA said it was taking “precautionary measures” due to the risk of strangulation and neck injuries.

It said an investigation found that the fastening on the cape does not detach easily enough from children’s necks, and that new safety requirements were necessary.

A statement read: “At IKEA, we have zero tolerance regarding child safety and we cannot accept that there is a risk of injury while playing.”

It added: “As an immediate and precautionary action we recall the product.

The Batman-style cape in questionThe Batman-style cape in question
The Batman-style cape in question

“IKEA will also improve future products and thereby children’s safety by putting new requirements in place.”

Stores around the world had been selling the black LATTJO bat cape at around €14 - just over £11 - since November 2015.

The product was marketed as something which “encourages role play” and “helps children to develop social skills by imitating grown-ups and inventing their own roles”.

Customers who return the bat capes will be issued a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required.

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