Warning issued over fake magnetic piercings

Two young boys needed life-saving surgery after swallowing magnetic balls meant to mimic piercings.

Freddie Webster, 12, had to have part of his bowel removed due to magnets ripping a hole in the wall of his stomach. He was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary where he underwent over four hours of surgery.

Sarah Webster, the boy’s mother, said: “The surgeon came out and said that Freddie was stable but very poorly and told us the next 24 hours would be critical.”

Sanja Besarovic, consultant paediatric surgeon, has written to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to release an official warning for the magnets.

She said: “We have been able to save these children but I’m growing increasingly concerned that this is happening often. Both of the children recovered well after surgery but the next child may not be so lucky.”