Hospital issues health warning over button batteries and magnetic balls

Parents have been urged to consider the dangers of button batteries when buying Christmas presents, (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Button batteries and magnetic balls found in children’s toys can cause life-changing injuries if swallowed, Christmas shoppers have been warned.

The small, round batteries can burn through a child’s windpipe or oesophagus if they are accidentally ingested, doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) said.