text: An eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital after falling victim to a prank when he was suffocated until he passed out. Police in Manchester have now issued a warning to parents over the game, known as 'sleeper', which officers say is potentially fatal. The child's details have not been release but a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the child is believed to have had underlying health problems and is expected to make a full recovery. Officers from Greater Manchester Police have been forced to issue a warning on Facebook (pictured) after an eight-year-old boy was hospitalised after a playground suffocation prank called 'sleeper' went wrong . The 'sleeper' prank involves a child having their nose and mouth held shut by another child until they black out from lack of oxygen. The youngster was treated in hospital on Wednesday after they were a 'sleeper' victim, police said. Officers in North Manchester believe it is a new craze and have alerted parents. GMP's North Manchester division posted on their Facebook site after the incident: 'Dangerous New Craze Warning - Attention all parents/guardians...We have received reports of a new craze called 'Sleeper' This involves children completely covering the mouth and noses of younger children until they completely pass out. Manchester's city centre chief councillor Pat Karney (pictured) has said the craze must be stopped 'before we have a tragedy on our hands' 'This is extremely dangerous, a child is currently in hospital being treated after falling victim to this game. Please advise every child you know and warn them of the dangers, this could easily lead to concussion or even death. The post has now been shared more than 11,200 times on the social network. GMP's Facebook post received a flurry of responses from followers, some claiming the game dates back several years. Tasha Williams replied: 'This was happening when I was at school although it was someone pushing on your chest really hard or on your throat, it is a stupid game.' Linzi Walker added: 'It's not new it's been going for years and years.' But Pete James said: 'Only buzz I used to get as a kid was putting a crushed carton in the back wheel of my bike and making it sound like a motorbike! What's wrong with kids??' Stuart Roberts worte: 'Are the children of today total numbnuts??' Sebastian Ziola added: 'Back in my day, we played Pogs. Oh how times change.' A senior council boss in Manchester has issued a stark warning about the craze. Pat Karney, councillor for neighbouring Harpurhey ward, told the Manchester Evening News: 'This news will put the fear of God in any parent or guardian. 'I will be talking to the council officers in the area to see how we can provide more information and warnings to local schools and parents. 'It has to stop before we have a terrible tragedy on our hands. The problem is that when kids hear about an incident like this, it goes viral in an instant in today's world. Officers in Manchester (GMP headquarters pictured) believe 'sleeper' is a new craze and have alerted parents .
target: Eight-year-old boy was hospitalised after being suffocated during 'game'
  In it child's nose and mouth are held shut by another until they pass out .
  Police in Manchester are warning that 'sleeper' prank is potentially fatal .
  Councillor says craze must be stopped before 'we have a terrible tragedy'