The Massachusetts-based footwear producer Stride Rite is recalling around 109,000 pairs of girls' shoes after it was found their buckles could shatter, presenting a choking hazard for young children.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the company has received four reports of broken buckles, including one where a child put a broken piece in her mouth and starting to choke.

The affected styles are ‘Munchkin T-Strap’ girls' shoes which were sold in children's sizes 4 through 12. The design incorporates a strap fastened by a metal buckle on the side of the shoe with the word 'Munchkin' moulded into the bottom of the shoe. Immediately beneath the legend ‘Made in China,’ the shoes have the following style numbers written inside: 3182011 (Brown Suede), 3182029 (Black Leather), 3182037 (Red Leather), 3182045 (Navy Leather), 3182052 (White Leather), 3182094 (Black Patent).