Police warn of metal hazards in Halloween sweets across three countries

Police in Germany, Austria and Hungary have warned parents to check Halloween sweets after sharp metal objects were found in treats given to children. Several children were hurt or narrowly avoided injury, and investigations are under way to identify those responsible.

In Bavaria, police reported as many as 25 cases involving needles, screws or nails, while authorities in Hungary investigated sweets containing nails, screws and wire around Gyömrő. In Austria, a 10-year-old suffered a minor mouth injury near Amstetten; a nine-year-old in Germany hurt her tongue on a chocolate bar containing a 5cm pin. Bavarian police also warned of copycat incidents after a child admitted putting a needle into their own sweet.