A company must pay £25,000 in fines and costs after selling unsafe pre-lit Christmas trees.

Premier Decorations Limited pleaded guilty at Romford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday last week after selling and supplying the faulty trees.

When tested they were found to pose significant risks to the public.

Five trees were tested by Havering Council and the London Fire Brigade and all failed to meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.

The trees had damaged wiring and the branches were found to be highly flammable.

Havering Council leader, Cllr Michael White, said: “Buying the family Christmas tree is a special moment as it marks the start of the festive season and the goodwill that follows it.

“We will not tolerate any businesses putting our residents at risk.”

The investigation was launched following a tip-off from the London Fire Brigade.

London Fire Brigade’s deputy assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation, Mark Andrews, said: “Our fire investigation team, supported by the brigade’s scientific advisers Bureau Veritas, worked closely with Havering Trading Standards officers to secure this successful prosecution.

“The case should send out a clear message to business owners and manufacturers that they face serious penalties if they sell faulty or counterfeit merchandise.”