SHOPPERS are being urged to be on their guard after Trading Standards officers uncovered a haul of unsafe hoverboards destined to be sold as Christmas presents or used at children’s parties.

They intercepted a consignment of 51 self-balancing boards ­– valued at £7,000 – imported from China. Officers sent them for testing to see if they complied with electrical safety standards.

The boards can now never be used by the public after checks showed chargers and battery packs supplied with the products pose a fire risk.

Also known as self-balancing scooters or balance boards, they were destined to be used at events and parties in the region or sold online.

They were brought into the country via Heathrow Airport and sent to an inspection point in Surrey where officers from a joint team of trading standards officers from Buckinghamshire and Surrey spotted possible safety risks.

A further consignment of 90 hoverboards has been impounded while officers check they are safe.

Poor quality versions have been exploding and catching fire because they lack proper safety functions.

The Back to the Future-style boards – which would normally retail for around £250 each – have surged in popularity in recent months and are expected to be one of the biggest-selling gadgets this Christmas.

Trading standards officers are investigating a case where a woman was injured after a hoverboard belonging to her 10-year-old son exploded in a bedroom, sending burning fragments flying across the room.

More than 15,000 have been impounded nationally since October. With hoverboards arriving at ports and airports around the country trading standards are warning people to be wary of bargains and prices which seem too good to be true.

Richard Walsh, Surrey County Council’s member for community wellbeing, said: “Our vigilant trading standards officers sent these products to be tested for electrical problems which confirmed their suspicions that the boards could put people’s safety at risk.

“We would urge anyone considering giving a hoverboard for Christmas to do their homework before buying and follow the advice from national Trading Standards.”

Anyone who has concerns about a product they have seen for sale or have already bought should contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0345 404 0506.