A NATIONWIDE scare has been sparked after a Chinese-made toy 'Water Blaster' gun exploded in the hands of a Rawtenstall man.

He was pumping water into the gun when there was a loud bang and he was covered in water and jagged pieces of plastic.

Luckily, none of the plastic injured him, but officers from the Lancashire Trading Standards Department say if it happens again somebody else may not be so lucky.

Principal Safety Officer Paul Heward, said: "If that plastic had got in to his face or his eyes it would have been very nasty indeed. "We believe tens of thousands of these guns may have been bought and we would like any parent whose child has one of them to return them to retailers." The guns are operated by pumping up a plastic water bottle on the top of the toy.

"But if it becomes strongly pressurised the bottles may fail and cause an explosion of plastic splinters.

Approximately 18 inches long, the guns are made of orange, green and blue plastic. The body is embossed with 'No 94-001' and there are Chinese symbols written on the other side.

Marked 'CE,' the guns retail for £1.99 to £3.50 and are packed in clear plastic bags with the phrase 'Water Blaster' printed on them. A similar accident to the one in Rawtenstall has also happened in Brighton.

Anybody who would like further information can contact Paul Heward at the Trading Standards Department, 01772 263508.

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