Sharp objects found in Halloween sweets in Germany, Austria and Hungary
Police in three European countries have issued warnings to parents after needles, nails and screws were discovered inside confectionery handed to children.
Police in Germany, Austria and Hungary have issued warnings to parents after sharp metal objects, including needles and nails, were found in Halloween sweets, according to BBC News.
In Germany, a nine-year-old girl injured her tongue while eating a chocolate bar in Bremervörde, west of Hamburg, where a 5cm-long pin was discovered inside. Police in Bavaria reported 25 cases involving sweets containing needles, screws or nails, noting that initial figures suggest a significant increase compared to the past two years.
In Hungary, a criminal investigation has been launched near the town of Gyömrő after nails, screws and wire pieces were found in sweets. A local authority stated a young girl found a nail inside a toffee within a chocolate wrapper but did not swallow it.
Austria has also reported several cases, including a 10-year-old girl who suffered a minor mouth injury in the Amstetten area. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner described the incidents as "cowardly, malicious and in some cases life-threatening."
Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner said the perpetrators must feel the full force of the law to ensure children have a carefree childhood. Meanwhile, police in Middle Franconia, western Bavaria, warned of potential copycat actions after a mother reported a needle in a chocolate bar, only to later say her child admitted to inserting it.