Anger over fake-blood syringe pens

Brothers Levi (left) and Leon Wade with the fake blood syringe pens.

Hallowe’en toy goes too far, says shocked mum
A MOTHER has hit out at a discount store — after her sons bought fake blood syringe pens.

Sarah Merritt was “disgusted” when Levi (five) and Leon (12) showed her the toys at their Chadderton home.

Fearful of the pretend syringe’s connotations, the angered parent said: “I just think it’s so dangerous, unnecessary and over the top.

“I don’t see the need in selling something like this. This needs to come off the shelves.”

The brothers purchased the item earlier this week from Poundland in Oldham’s Spindles-Town Square shopping centre, while with a family friend. The pens are part of a “Fright Nite” range for Hallowe’en.

Realising what her children had bought, Ms Merritt (28), of Turf Lane, immediately removed the pens.

“They were not happy when I took them away, but it’s the connotations of the pens. The friend didn’t think anything of it at first, but she then realised later.

“They don’t squirt blood, but they have fake blood inside.

“If they see a syringe on the street, especially my five-year-old, they may think it’s all right to pick it up. As a result they could catch anything.

“It seems to me that the Hallowe’en items being sold in some shops are getting worse and going too far. It’s terrible because youngsters are becoming more desensitised to it all.”

Poundland responded to the complaint by stating: “The product in question has been tested and is safe for children to use.

“The intention of this product is not to scare or upset anyone. Poundland is committed to providing its customers with quality products that are compliant with legislation.”