Christmas trees recalled by Asda

Thousands of Christmas trees are being recalled by supermarket group Asda because of a possibly lethal electrical problem with their lights.

Asda said it was asking customers to return more than 10,000 of the pre-lit plastic trees sold across the country.

It has also withdrawn a further 50,000 from its shelves and warehouses.

A spokesman said four customers had returned the plastic trees, which come in three colours and are priced between £15 and £27.

People also complained that some of the lightbulbs were damaged.

The spokesman added that bulbs were already smashed on the trees, exposing an element which would cause a "nasty" electric shock if touched once the tree was plugged in.

Precautionary measure

"We have not come across any [smashed bulbs] in the trees that we have checked in depots and in stores but this is a result of customers bringing them back," he said.

"We couldn't even have one tree out there that could potentially give someone a nasty electric shock so that is why we have recalled all of them.

"I think the important thing is just to illustrate the three products that this has affected - no other products or Christmas trees or fairy lights are affected in any shape or form.

"Although nobody has been hurt, we are asking anyone who has bought one of these trees to bring it back to their nearest store where they will be given a refund."

The trees, which were made in China, carry the Asda brand but were supplied by a company called Puleo Asia.

The affected trees are: Pre-Lit Pine Christmas Trees, 6ft, £15; Pre-Lit Black Christmas Trees, 6ft, £27; Pre-Lit White Christmas Trees, 6ft, £27.