'Magnets craze' that could have killed children sparks warning from surgeon

By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Feb 2018, 09:59 BST
Updated 22nd Feb 2018, 11:05 BST
Ball bearings recovered from one of the childrenBall bearings recovered from one of the children
Ball bearings recovered from one of the children
Two children needed life-saving surgery after swallowing high-powered ball bearing magnets, doctors in East Yorkshire have revealed.

A third child - just four-years-old - was lucky to escape injury after the magnets stuck together and passed out of the body normally.

However, the two others were admitted to the children's ward at Hull Royal Infirmary with significant internal damage.

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One suffered a perforated stomach and duodenum after swallowing nine ball magnets while another had a small bowel perforation.

Consultant paediatrician Sanja BesarovicConsultant paediatrician Sanja Besarovic
Consultant paediatrician Sanja Besarovic

Both underwent major surgery including a laparotomy and bowel resection.

The children are believed to have swallowed the magnets - which can be bought from Amazon for as little as £2.99 - while attempting to simulate piercings on their faces.

Earlier this month Driffield School banned bearings from the school after a 12-year-old pupil - one of those admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary - accidentally swallowed two bearings.

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