A set of LED Christmas lights bought by a Dover resident have been dubbed “potentially life threatening” by Kent Trading Standards.

The authority seized them after the resident got an electric shock after plugging them into the mains.

Tests showed the festive lights, which are for sale online, were poorly constructed, exposing live parts which caused the shock.

It also revealed that the packaging failed to include manufacturer and importer details and there was no voltage or max wattage rating.

The supply cord also snapped when pulled and the wiring should have been blue and brown, but instead it was black.

It also came with the carelessly written warning: “Do not install on trees having needles leaves or branch covering of mefal or materlais which look like mefal (sic).”

Kent Trading Standards operations manager James Whiddett said: “The instructions are poorly written, containing conflicting information, and there is nothing on any of the packaging to indicate who the manufacturer or importer is.

“The instructions and the advertising on the website claim the lights have an IP44 rating, meaning they are suitable for outdoor use.

“Examination and testing has shown that this is simply untrue and use outside would pose very real risks should the lights come in contact with moisture.”

The seller of the lights is based in China, according to the authority, who said they are working to get the product removed from sale as soon as possible.

KTS concluded the lights did not comply with Regulation 5 of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.