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A toy manufacturer has recalled about 280,000 products sold in the UK amid fears that children could swallow small magnets attached to them.

Canadian firm Mega Brands said around 2.4 million of the Chinese-made action figures had been withdrawn from sale worldwide.

A company spokesman said production of the MagnaMan and Magtastik toys had been halted following safety concerns.

"There have been no incidents in the UK but we've had a total of 19 reports of magnets coming loose," he said. "We're recalling the items to be cautious but there is a potential risk of harm. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal."

The spokesman said 110,000 MagnaMans and 170,000 Magtastiks sold in the UK between January 2005 and December 2007 should be returned.