Kent parents have been warned to "immediately stop using" a particular make of car seat amid fears they don't provide adequate protection.

Argos has recalled five Mamas & Papas car seat models after it was claimed they might not protect a child in the event of the crash, with their shells cracking on impact.

The affected models are: Mercury Group 1 Black, Mercury Group 1 Grey, Mercury Group 1-2-3 Black, Mercury Group 1-2-3 Grey, Mercury Group 2-3 Black and Grey.

These models were manufactured by Mamas & Papas exclusively for Argos.

Mamas & Papas said no incident had been reported to it related to any of the recalled car seats.

A statement released by Mamas & Papas said: “We continue to work closely with Argos to determine the exact nature of the issue.

“We wish to reassure our customers that we take product quality and assurance very seriously and that the safety of our customers is always our primary concern.

“All Mamas and Papas car seats are tested, certified and approved under the European regulations R44/04 by independent accredited bodies.”

The recall came after parents reported issues with the “unsafe seats” on the parenting blog Playpennies.

One parent wrote on the forum: "I am absolutely seething at Mamas and Papas right now!

"These are being recalled due to a massive complaint from me, I leant on my son's seat and it cracked.

"Argos replaced it like for like, now they have recalled the whole lot!"

Argos said in a statement: "We have identified a potential safety concern.

"In the event of an accident the car seat shell may crack and therefore not provide the intended level of protection to the user.

"If you have purchased any of the above seats, you should immediately stop using the product and return the car seat to your local Argos store for a full refund. We wish to thank you for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused by this recall."

For more information contact the Argos Customer Service Team on 0345 600 5388.