TRADING standards has launched an investigation after a woman was injured after a hoverboard belonging to her 10-year-old son exploded in a bedroom, sending burning fragments flying across the room.

The Back to the Future-style boards have surged in popularity in recent months and are expected to be one of the biggest-selling gadgets this Christmas.

But reports have emerged of poor quality versions exploding and catching fire because they lack proper safety functions and shoppers are urged to be on their guard when buying hoverboards.

Surrey trading standards recently uncovered a £7,000 haul of 51 unsafe self-balancing boards imported from China, destined to be sold as Christmas presents or used at children’s parties

They will now ensure the boards can never be used by the public after checks showed that chargers and battery packs supplied with the products pose a fire risk.

A further consignment of 90 hoverboards has been impounded while officers check they are safe. They will only be released to the market if they meet all required standards.

Anyone who has concerns about a product they have seen for sale or have already bought should contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.