France started proceedings on Wednesday to suspend online fast-fashion retailer Shein after childlike sex dolls and weapons were found being sold on its site, marring the opening of the Chinese company's first shop in a Paris department store.

French authorities have warned they may block access to Shein after it emerged that the online fast fashion giant had been selling sex dolls with a childlike appearance.

The Paris prosecutor's office said on Tuesday it was investigating online retail platforms Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Wish over alleged dissemination of contents including child pornography on their...