12-year-old Avyaan Narula receives skin graft after Lidl toy explodes

Avyaan Narula, a 12‑year‑old from Southport, was playing with a NeeDoh cube purchased at Lidl when the toy was left on a windowsill during a heatwave. The cube overheated, burst and released hot liquid that caused full‑dermal burns on the top of his left foot. His mother, Aarti Narula, rushed him to a walk‑in centre and he was later transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, where doctors performed a skin graft on July 20, using skin taken from his thigh.

The toy’s manufacturer, Schylling Toys, warns that the product must not be heated, frozen or microwaved. Lidl expressed sympathy and noted that the packaging includes the safety instructions and that the toy complies with all safety standards. The incident highlights consumer‑product safety concerns during extreme temperatures.