Fake Dyson hairdryers that 'melted and smoked' among 350,000 dangerous goods seized

Why it matters: The seizures highlight the scale of dangerous goods attempting to enter the UK market through Suffolk's ports, with many items posing serious safety risks to consumers.

By the numbers:

• 349,000 consumer goods checked and refused entry
• 74,565 unsafe toys intercepted
• 104,983 electrical goods stopped
• 62,815 lighting kits blocked, with about 45% being Christmas lights
• 8,965 e-scooters prevented from entering the market

The big picture: The Port of Felixstowe serves as a major gateway for goods entering the UK, with trading standards officers working to prevent unsafe items from reaching consumers. However, officials warn some dangerous products still manage to slip through.

Details: Among the most concerning finds were 500 counterfeit Dyson hair dryers that posed serious safety risks. During testing, the products:

• Overheated and began smoking
• Started melting both internally and externally
• Had incorrectly rated plugs
• Featured fuses that failed to meet British safety standards

What they're saying: "The Port of Felixstowe is a huge gateway to the UK and our officers work extremely hard to intercept these dangerous items before they reach the marketplace," said Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards.

Of note: Many of the seized items were destined for sale through third-party sellers on online marketplaces.

How to help: Consumers who spot potentially dangerous goods can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Bottom line: While trading standards officers are intercepting significant quantities of unsafe goods, consumers are being urged to remain vigilant, particularly when shopping online during the festive period.