"Miniature flamethrowers that can fit into a handbag, branded as “anti-pervert weapons”, are being sold online in China despite being classified as dangerous items that cannot be taken on public transport.
The pen-sized gadgets are about 20cm long and can shoot flames of up to 25cm at the press of a button.
Marketed at women to fend off attackers, they are being sold as “not a weapon, yet better than one”. “No matter where we stand, we can protect ourselves,” reads one of the advertising slogans."