Argos recalls defective car seats over safety fears

Argos has warned parents to stop using certain car seats "immediately" as it issued an urgent recall over safety fears.

The retailer has recalled five products from upmarket brand Mamas & Papas.

The recall affects products sold in Ireland as well as the UK. A spokesman for Argos said only a small number of the seats had been sold in Ireland.

It is feared the models may not be able to protect children in the event of a crash, with their shells cracking under impact.

In a statement, the company said: “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.”

Argos is offering a full refund to customers and advised: “If you have purchased any of the 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.”

The affected models are:

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1 Black ( Argos catalogue number 297/7526).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1 Grey ( Argos catalogue number 411/9100).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1-2-3 Black ( Argos catalogue number 305/6037).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1, 2, 3 Grey ( Argos catalogue number 397/9530).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 2-3 Black and Grey ( Argos catalogue number 245/4829).