Thurrock Council has issued a safety warning over the latest Christmas "must-have" for kids, hover-boards.

The warning comes after a number of hoverboards, or balance scooters, exploded or caught fire in London and Kent.

Thurrock trading standards stopped 50 hoverboards from getting in at the HMRC-controlled warehouse in Thurrock recently.

Nationally, over 14,000 unsafe hoverboards have been stopped from entering the UK.

The council’s team issued a Suspension Notice stopping their movement until test results are received.

Councillor Jane Pothecary, the council’s portfolio holder for public protection, said: “There have been many incidents across the country, including London and Kent, where these boards have ‘exploded’ or caught fire."

“Over 14,000 unsafe hoverboards have been stopped from entering the UK and I understand that 30 different products have been tested. All have been found to be unsafe.”

She added: “This doesn’t mean products stocked in major retailers are unsafe – we are worried about poor quality and often cheap products from China.”

The 50 items stopped by Thurrock’s trading standards are believed to be non-compliant with product safety legislation.

A spokesman for the council said they were not labelled with the manufacturer’s and importer’s details, had poor instructions for use, and the importer had no technical documentation.

Councillor Pothecary added: “When shopping for electrical goods everybody loves a bargain, but the product could be of poor quality, a cheap copy, or made to look like a well-known brand.

“Please be aware that cheap electrical goods are likely to contain unsafe, incorrect or faulty parts that can overheat or break just days after purchase, increasing the risk of fire or electric shock.”

The council also aksed residents to report any individuals selling hoverboards.

Hoverboards safety check list

  • The council said residents should take note of the following points to look out for:
  • The plug must be a three-pin UK plug. It is not acceptable for the product to be supplied with a two-pin plug and adaptor for use in UK sockets. If there is an adaptor, it must be fixed in such a way that it can be removed only by using a screwdriver.
  • The product should have information about the importer and/or manufacturer. This must include an address, but may also include a website and full contact details in case of problems – a mobile telephone number alone is not good enough.
  • Instructions should be in good English with advice about safe use and intended users - by age or weight for example.
  • Do not charge your product either overnight or if you are going out.
  • Always buy from reputable sources and stores.
  • Always ensure any replacement batteries or chargers are fully compatible with the item in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

If anybody has bought one of these items and is concerned the product may be unsafe, they should stop using it and report the matter to trading standards by calling 03454 04 05 06.