A council has clamped down on the children's scooter craze by banning a model after a 15-year-old boy was injured.

Trading standards officers from Brighton and Hove Council have told branches of Woolworth's in the towns they can no longer sell the 900R TT micro scooter. The firm has since withdrawn the model from all its 800 UK stores.

Issuing of the suspension notice came after a 15-year-old boy from East Sussex was injured when part of the scooter's folding mechanism trapped his middle finger and sliced halfway through his flesh. He had bought the scooter at Woolworth's in Western Road, Brighton, on August 7 and the accident happened on the same day.

Tests by officers revealed part of the folding mechanism failed to comply with safety legislation, despite claims on the packaging that it did.

The notices were issued against Woolworth's and OLOP Leisure Group Ltd, of Torquay, which imports the Chinese-made scooter.

A council spokeswoman said: "At this stage, it is not clear who has been supplying this scooter, apart from Woolworth's.

"Trading standards is warning the public about this product and request their help to identify other suppliers."

John Peerless, trading standards manager, said: "We want to ensure people can enjoy these products safely.

"I would recommend that if any parent has purchased one of these scooters, they should check the folding mechanism.

"If there is any concern, they should contact their local trading standards office.

A Woolworth's spokesman said: "We have received notification from Brighton and Hove Council and are taking it extremely seriously."

For more information, call Ray Moore, principal trading standards officer, on 01273 292487.