So-called 'novelty lighters' have been pulled from the market because of their danger, particularly to children, the  Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority said.

Novelty lighter are designed to be appealing to children. They are banned from the European market because of their play value which may result in burns to the face or to other parts of the body.

Some such lighters had been found locally, the Authority said. It urged buyers to refrain from using them and to return them to the place of purchase. Shops were ordered not to sell them.