'Dangerous' straighteners seized

The plastic on the fake hair straighteners melts easily

Fake hair straighteners which could give users electric shocks and burns have been seized by council trading standards officers in Essex.

Officers confiscated 18 counterfeit GHD hair styling sets at a boot sale in Marks Tey on 16 July.

The electric cabling was found not to be secured and this exposed 240 volt wire that led to overheating of the elements causing the plastic to melt.

The counterfeit straighteners were being sold for £35 each.

The genuine items retail for between £90 and £110 on the high street.

County Councillor Roger Walters said: "This is a good example of why you should never purchase counterfeit goods.

"Although they may look like a bargain, the lack of safety precautions means it just isn't worth the risk.

"If you buy counterfeit goods you are actively supporting serious crime, so give a thought to where your money may end up."