the dailymash

The 1980s toy had fallen out of favour with the nation's youngsters as its lightweight plastic structure was believed to make it virtually useless when seeking to kill or maim.

But the six-sided Hungarian puzzle has enjoyed a surge in popularity after youngsters discovered they could stuff it inside a football sock and swing it at someone's head.

Julian Cook, a senior toy buyer with a leading department store, said: "Clackers got a big boost last year as they are a tremendously efficient way of temporarily disabling someone while you steal their phone.

"The Meccano Make-Your-Own Chainsaw is also doing really well, as are the exploding Cabbage Patch Dolls."

He added: "We're also stocking a colourful range of Flick-Weebles, as well as a Razor-Blade Simon and a Transformer that transforms into a Browning semi-automatic."

Wayne Hayes, a 15 year-old psychopath from Swindon, said the Rubik’s Cube was mentally challenging and 'great fun once it was covered with bits of broken glass'.

He added: "I've got a Wii, but why pretend to be playing tennis when you could be enjoying actual violence?"