Hoverboards seized in clampdown amid fears over explosion risk

Hoverboards were seized by trading standards amid a pre-Christmas clampdown on the devices over fears they pose a risk of explosions.

Twenty shops across Hackney were targeted in the operation which led to 11 of the self-balancing boards being taken by officials.

Several were found to be missing a “cut-off” switch, which prevents the battery charging when it reaches full capacity.

They also had “substandard plugs” which risked the devices over-heating and exploding, Hackney Council said.

Two shops out of the 20 targeted were found to have stocked the self-propelling devices during the clampdown on Friday.

Hackney’s deputy mayor, Cllr Sophie Linden, said: “These hoverboards have caused fires and explosions and by visiting shops that are likely to sell these products, trading standards are stopping potentially dangerous pieces of equipment from making it to the streets of Hackney.”

It comes as Amazon was said to have advised customers who have bought hoverboards to throw them away as a watchdog urged all retailers to remove them from sale.

The internet giant told customers in an email to take their self-balancing boards, which have raised safety concerns, to recycling centres.

Listings appeared to have been removed from Amazon UK and Argos and John Lewis are also said to have pulled the product from shelves.

The Government has warned consumers to "think twice" about buying the must-have Christmas gift amid fears over imitation devices being sold at discount prices.