A YouTube star has taken heat from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) after filming himself burning a popular children’s toy with a blowtorch.
In the clip Dan Middleton, whose DanTDM channel has nearly 14 million subscribers, gleefully singes and chars pink penguin Hatchimal with the dangerous tool.
The furry toy, which can hatch their own “eggs” and “grow” up as youngsters play with them, was one of the most popular gifts for children for Christmas last year.
In the video, which has racked up more than 3 million views since January 14, Mr Middleton explains: “Today I want to try something a little bit crazy. I’m going to give [the toy] a haircut … I’m going to give him a haircut with fire.”
“I just want to set him on fire, so will you just give me this please?”
Mr Middleton, 25, from Northants, did think to remove the batteries from the toy before attacking it with the blowtorch – but later puts them back in and remarks the Hatchimal “could explode” in his face.
He also describes the stunt as “literally the dumbest thing I have ever done” - an assessment shared by fire chiefs who criticised him for his “reckless behaviour”.
The vlogger, whose YouTube videos have been watched more than 9billion times, is a firm favourite among pre-teen audiences.
Charlie Pugsley, head of LFB’s fire investigation team, said: “We 100 per cent condemn this reckless behaviour and would urge the YouTube vlogger to remove the clip immediately as it may inspire ‘copycat’ incidents which may go tragically wrong.
“Playing with fire is not a game and the YouTuber even admits that his behaviour is incredibly dangerous, despite trying to pass off the irresponsible act as humorous.
“This behaviour could easily have had severe consequences. The blowtorch could inflict severe burns instantly if handled carelessly and if hot melted plastic came into contact with a person’s skin, it could literally stick to it, causing much more severe burns.”
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Mr Middleton is currently in Australia promoting his YouTube channel with a live tour. He could not be reached for comment today.
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