Easter toys have been urgently recalled over fears they could pose a serious health risk to children. Rabbit and chick plush toys sold at Home Bargains were found to have weaknesses that could allow children to pull them apart.

A notice issued by the Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards said: “The products present a serious risk of asphyxiation as it has been identified that the limbs of the toy can become easily detached due to the weakness of the seams.

“As a result, the internal fibrous stuffing material is easily accessible. A child may access the stuffing material and place it in their mouth.”

The affected 25cm plush toys have three Easter-themed designs — Yellow Chick, Pink Rabbit and White Rabbit — and the barcode 10811016.

The notice added: “Consumers who have purchased any of the Easter plush toys should stop using it immediately and keep out of the reach of children.

“To obtain a full refund, please return the toy to your nearest Home Bargains store.”

Made in China, the products were found to not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

The standards apply to any totals intended for children under the age of 14 and take into account aspects such as design, construction, composition and specific hazards.

Recalls are relatively common for toys found the pose a choking hazard to youngsters. Another recent recall applied to one batch of the Hapello Sensory Roller sold at ASDA.

It was found to contain a small piece of plastic that could become detached.