Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre have withdrawn a toy buggy from stores amid safety concerns.

The Daily Mail reports that US company Step2 has initiated a mass recall of the Push Around and Whisper Ride buggies, which prompted the move from Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre. Around 2.5 million of the toy buggies have been withdrawn in the US so far, over concerns that the handle on the buggies might collapse suddenly.

Step2 said there was a chance this might happen if the pin that holds the handle in place became loose with use. There have been no reports of accidents in the UK, but so far 28 reports of the handle coming loose have been lodged elsewhere in the world.

Step2 issued a statement saying that this posed a serious risk of injury to young children if they were using the buggy at the time. So far, reported injuries include scrapes and scratches and two instances of children requiring professional medical treatment.

Step2 said:

'Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately, unless otherwise instructed –and contact Step2 for a free repair kit.’

A spokesperson for Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre said:

‘Due to the concerns raised in the US over the safety of Step2 red and pink Push Around toy buggy sold at Early Learning Centre – and the blue Whisper Ride toy buggy sold at Mothercare – we have decided to remove these products from sale, pending further information from Step2.

'At Mothercare and Early Learning Centre, product safety is our highest priority and this action has been taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers.’

The safety alert does not apply to newer designs of the buggy, which have a bolt and screw fixture in the handle.

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