RESIDENTS are being urged to be vigilant when purchasing Halloween accessories after a scary wig and hair extension bought in the borough were found to be unsafe.

Wigan Council’s trading standards officers tested 11 products bought from a number of shops in the borough as part of a safety sampling survey in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

A green Halloween Frite Nite Short Bob Wig and a pink Creepy Crew Frightful Hair Extension were found to be unsafe when tested for flammability.

They were purchased from two separate national retailer chains in the borough.

Investigations into the unsafe accessories are ongoing but trading standards officers have removed them from the stores and the chains have now voluntarily pulled them from their shops nationally and put product recalls in force.

Anyone who has bought one of the accessories will be given a full refund.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for the environment, said: “I am extremely concerned these products may have been purchased by residents across the borough for their children.

“I would urge anyone who has bought any of these products to return them to the shop or dispose of them immediately.

“I would advise parents to be vigilant and keep their children away from any naked flame when wearing Halloween costumes and masks and to use battery powered LED tea lights instead.”

Parents and guardians are also advised to always check the labelling on Halloween costumes and ensure they contain the manufacturer's name and contact details, instructions, safety information and a CE mark.