AN importer was fined for selling dangerous toys following a joint operation led by Ealing Council with trading standards officers from across London.

Dashmesh Co Ltd, Unit A9 Charles House, Bridge Road, Southall, admitted seven offences. The firm was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay £5,600 costs by Ealing magistrates.

During the operation in January 2013, trading standards officers from Ealing and Enfield inspected toys on the premises to check they complied with UK safety regulations.

Officers found nine out of the 10 samples removed and tested were unsafe.

Pushchairs were found to have faulty closing mechanisms which could trap a child’s fingers, while the speed of ‘missiles’ projected out of toy guns was faster than legally permitted.

There were also missing safety warnings about potential choking hazards on the toys, and some of the parts became easily detached on toys for children under three.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, Ealing cabinet member for community services and safety said: “These dangerous toys could have reached shops across London putting children at risk.”