Child seriously burned by squishy toy: Investigation underway in Saint-Omer

Saint-Omer – 10 August 2026: Following the severe burns suffered by a child in northern France, the Saint-Omer public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation. The child was injured on the face and chest; a so-called squishy toy is linked to the incident. The investigation was opened on Sunday, 9 August. Authorities initially provided no further information about the child’s age, identity or current state of health.

Squishies are soft, usually brightly colored toys that can be squeezed and kneaded before slowly returning to their original shape. They are often sold as sensory or anti-stress toys and, with their animal, food or fantasy shapes, are frequently aimed at children. However, the term refers neither to a single brand nor to a uniform product category. It is not yet known which model was involved in the incident in the Pas-de-Calais department.

The exact sequence of events must also still be reconstructed. In particular, it remains unclear whether the toy was heated, damaged by an external heat source or possibly defective. Nor has it been publicly confirmed what material it was made of or whether any filling leaked out. Investigators must therefore examine both how the item was handled and its origin and composition. No conclusions regarding criminal liability can be drawn from the information known so far.

Soft gel and filled toys can become dangerous if they are heated contrary to the instructions for use or exposed to intense heat. If their casing is damaged, hot contents can leak out and cause serious scalds or burns. Safety warnings therefore advise against heating such products in microwaves or ovens. Strong sunlight and high temperatures inside a car can also alter materials. However, these general risks do not yet establish what caused the child to be injured near Saint-Omer.

For parents, it is often difficult to tell from the outside what stresses an individual product can withstand. They should therefore observe age and warning notices, check the packaging for information about the manufacturer or importer, and dispose of damaged toys. A CE marking means that the supplier declares compliance with the relevant European requirements; however, it is not an official test seal. In France, notices of specific product recalls are published by the state portal RappelConso.

The public prosecutor’s office must now determine where the toy in question came from, how it was used and whether it complied with applicable safety requirements. Personal details about the injured child were not released in order to protect the family.