PARENTS are being warned to keep their children safe over Halloween and bonfire night by firefighters in Barrow who demonstrated how easily fancy dress outfits can set on fire in a bid to raise awareness.

In a controlled environment, Barrow's Green Watch used a naked flame to show the speed at which a range of common costumes will burst into flames.

One costume, doused in an accelerant, was set on fire to show how liquids such as alcohol can influence the ease at which a blaze can get out of hand.

Watch manager Ian Westall said parents should be aware of the risks involved.

He said: "Halloween costumes are classed as toys, which means they are not required by law to be as fire retardant as normal children's clothes.

"Parents and carers should be aware of this and take precautions, for example ensure children are wearing clothes under the costume."

The labels on the costumes we used in the experiment, which were made of polyester, claimed the products were tested to the same standards as children's nightwear but did include a warning to keep them away from lit candles and naked flames.

As well as the typical dangers associated with a fire, even when the flames have been put out, the plastic used in many costumes will continue to melt and drip, with the potential to cause life-changing burns.

This time of year usually sees an increase in anti-social incidents involving fires, fireworks and Halloween-related crimes.

Fire bosses in Barrow have issued the following safety advice:

Plastic capes and bin liners are often used as costumes - keep them away from candles or other naked flames;

Use battery operated lights within homemade lanterns and pumpkins;

Lanterns should never be made from plastic bottles or other containers.

In the event that clothing does catch fire - remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL:

Stop where you are. Do not run. Running can make things worse.

Drop to the ground. Lay flat with your legs out straight.

Cover your eyes and mouth with your hands.

Roll over and over and back and forth until the flames are out.

Get help straight away.

Meanwhile, Poundland has urged customers to return some of its Halloween costume accessories over fears they can easily catch fire.

The budget retailer is withdrawing several of its products, including a witch's hat with hair and various wigs. Affected products bear the barcodes listed below:

#127038 – FRIGHT NITE LONG WIG (Green, Blue, Black, Red, Pink) Barcodes: 5054110002671, 5054110002688, 5054110002695, 5054110002701, 5054110002718

#115428 – FRIGHT NITE SHORT BOB WIG (Green, Blue, Black, Red, Pink) Barcodes: 5054110002626, 5054110002633, 5054110002640, 5054110002657, 5054110002664, 5054110280475, 5054110280482, 5054110280499, 5054110280505, 5054110280512

#127039 – FRIGHT NITE CURLY WIG (Green, Blue, Black, Red, Pink) Barcodes: 5054110002725, 5054110002732, 5054110002749, 5054110002756, 5054110002763

#123716 – LONG WIG (PINK/ BLUE/ BLONDE) – Barcodes: 5053834237161, 5054110421885, 5054110421892, 5054110421908

#125690 – LUXURY SHORT WIG – Barcodes: 5053834256902, 5054110285364, 5054110285371, 5054110285388

#4356 – WITCHES HAT WITH HAIR – Barcodes: 5025066043568, 5054110003241, 5054110003258, 5054110003265, 5054110003272

#148169 – 2PK CLIPON HAIRPIECE 3 ASST – Barcode: 5053834481694