Google Bans 'Call Blaze And The Monster Machines' App As It Threatens To Stab Kids

Google has banned a kids’ app from its Play store after parents heard a character threaten to knife children.

The app, based on the Nickelodeon show ‘Blaze And The Monster Machines’, is disguised to look like an official product where you can “call” the characters.

One mum, Katisha Long, from Gloucester, was horrified by what she heard on the app and shared it on Facebook on 22 January.

The voice on the app starts off normal: “Hi kids, I’m your new friend! You see, I want to play with you kiddo. Maybe we could perform some fun games together.”

However it then takes a sinister turn: ”You look afraid, is it this knife in my hands? Making you a little nervous? This knife is going to improve your look when it’s sticking right out of you.”

Long wrote on the Facebook post: “Seen a video being shared about on Facebook about a kids app on play store called ‘Call Blaze And The Monster Machines 2018’ thought it was fake, turns out it wasn’t.

“They obviously don’t check the apps before they allow them on the Play store.

“There are plenty of parents out there that just let their kids download random stuff and don’t check it before. This is a perfect example.”

One mum commented: “I’m so happy you shared this, I nearly downloaded that for [my son] it’s absolutely vile I would report it.”

Another wrote: “This is just wrong, disgusting. We need to make parents aware of this.”

Google has now suspended the app from Google Play.

A Google spokesman told HuffPost UK: “We have a set of policies designed to provide a great experience for users and developers and we act quickly to remove apps from Google Play that violate those policies.”

A Nickelodeon representative said, according to The Sun: “We were alerted to the illicit ‘Blaze And The Monsters Machines’ app yesterday along with a range of other content from the same individual. The safety of kids and families are of paramount importance to us.

“Nickelodeon worked as a matter of urgency with Google Play to have all the illegal apps removed. They removed all of the offending content immediately yesterday afternoon”.

Before You Go

New To Cycling? The Best Apps To Get You On Track

Mobike App(01 of07)

App Store, Google Play, free

Looking to join the nation’s thousands of bike sharers? If you live in Manchester or London, Mobike – the world’s first dockless and cash-free bike-sharing scheme from China – has arrived. Download the app to find your Mobike (and reserve it for 15 minutes), scan the QR code to unlock the bike and enjoy the breeze as you get to your destination on wheels.

Park at any rack, public bike parking or Mobike Preferred Location and pay 50p for the 30-minute ride. You’ll also need to pay a £29 deposit upfront. Bonus: you get credit points for returning a faraway bike close to the city centre. (credit:ROBERT LEVER via Getty Images)

Abvio Cyclemeter GPS(02 of07)

App Store, Google Play, free (upgrade to Elite from £9.99)

Turn your smartphone into your smartest piece of fitness tech with Cyclemeter, which lets you track and record all of your training, compiling all your stats into graphs, summaries and more. It syncs up with Google Maps so you can check out the terrain and traffic (and avoid getting lost), lets you share your stats and allows you to compete virtually against others. It’ll also sort out your running, walking, skiing and more. (credit:Abvio Cyclemeter)

The Sufferfest(03 of07)

App Store, free for a seven-day trial

This highly regarded indoor cycling app offers a vast collection of cycling training videos (set against a backdrop of officially licensed race footage from the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and Paris-Roubaix), compelling storylines and heart-pumping soundtracks.

You’ll also find Yoga for Cyclists workouts and a ten-week plan to help build up your mental strength - probably a requirement to survive training videos with titles like The Violator, A Very Dark Place and The Wretched.

For those who want their indoor cycling training served up with some gamified characters and interactive graphics, Zwift is another indoor cycling app to try. (credit:The Sufferfest)

CycleMaps(04 of07)

App Store, free

One of the most daunting challenges for newbie cyclists exploring uncharted territory? Carving out a safe cycle route that fits within their skillset. CycleMaps can help: it will display a route planner that tracks your speed and distance and helps you get back on track when you lose your way. It also works in countries around the world, so no, your next holiday jaunt isn't going to be used as an excuse to stop your biking efforts. (credit:CycleMaps)

Strava Running And Cycling GPS(05 of07)

App Store, Google Play, free (from £5.99 a month for Premium)

Widely regarded as a must-have for anyone with even the remotest interest in cycling or running, Strava does it all. Tracks your performance. Records your PBs. Helps you connect with your community. It also syncs beautifully with all of your existing tech (GPS watches, fitness trackers, etc.) The built-in Beacon lets loved ones know your location in real time, and when you feel that competitive fire burning, you can push yourself in personal challenges or go up against others on segment leaderboards. (credit:Strava)

Fill That Hole(06 of07)

App Store, Google Play, free

Pesky potholes are more than just a nuisance to those starting to cycle their city or town's streets – they’re a real risk. Happily, this app from Cycling UK lets you report potholes and any road defects via the app, which then gets in touch with your local council and gets the roads repaired. ASAP.

Try going the same route again a week or two later to see your Good Samaritan-style handiwork in action. (credit:Matt Cheetham/Mike Kirk via Getty Images)

Apple Health(07 of07)

Free

Your iPhone's Health app is a powerful tool in its own right, helpfully tracking everything from sleep to nutrition to activity. It works seamlessly with a wide range of apps like Strava, as well as a variety of fitness trackers. Keep on top of your cycling distance with minimal effort by tapping Health Data, then Fitness, then Cycling Distance and your rides will show up on your health dashboard. Who's ready to pedal, then? (credit:Blackzheep via Getty Images)