A TOWN centre business is under investigation after allegedly selling BB guns to children and  'unsafe' toys.

Trading standards were called to one retailer after police reported that age restricted products ­— ball bearing guns ­— were being sold to underage youths.

Whilst there, officers said the were also concerned about a wide range of products which appeared not to comply with toy safety regulations.

Both the BB guns and the toys were seized and are being investigated.

Another town centre retailer is also under investigation for selling suspected unsafe toys.

Bolton Council has not named the two businesses as the investigation is ongoing.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough, the council's executive member for regulatory services, said: "Protecting consumers from being sold items that aren’t safe is a key part of our enforcement work.

"Selling substandard toys and age restricted goods to children can have serious consequences and put lives at risk. These crimes will not be tolerated, and anyone found selling such items will be prosecuted.”

Trading Standards carry out safety inspections to identify clothing, toys and other products that do not meet UK safety requirements and could therefore cause harm.

Toys must comply to legal safety standards and be labelled correctly. Toys that are not suitable for children under three require a warning to this effect that states the reason why - for example, choking hazard.

Shoppers who have concerns about goods they have bought can contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or visit their website.

Businesses wanting advice on the safety of any goods can contact the council.