Following the seizure and destruction of 1,500 unsafe electrical items, Hampshire County Council Trading Standards service is advising residents to be vigilant when buying electrical appliances.

Trading Standards have recently prosecuted a company selling a wide range of electrical goods, particularly lighting products and table fans. These appliances were found to fall well short of EU safety standards and posed the risk of electric shock. East Tower Trading Ltd was fined £18,000 plus £6,770 costs.

No parts of the appliance likely to become live should be able to be touched.

"If you are in any doubt over the safety of an electrical appliance, get it checked over by a qualified inspector to be on the safe side." www.hants.gov.uk