Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK

Asbestos can cause cancer in later life if inhaled, although the risk to children who played with the sand is thought to be low. Photograph: Hobbycraft/PA

Bottles of children’s play sand have been withdrawn from shelves by the craft retailer Hobbycraft after a parent discovered they were contaminated with asbestos.

The parent, who did not wish to be named, raised the alarm after her children played with the sand at a party.