More than 90 per cent of children's Halloween costumes tested from online sellers failed safety laws, officials have warned.
An investigation by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute uncovered what it described as alarming levels of non-compliance among outfits bought from third-party sellers on major online marketplaces.
Tests revealed that 10 out of 11 randomly purchased outfits failed to meet UK legal requirements, representing a 91 per cent failure rate.
Problems identified by inspectors ranged from missing safety warnings to garments that pose a potential strangulation risk to young children.
Several costumes lacked correct safety information, leaving parents unaware of hidden dangers and unable to take sensible precautions.
Flammability tests carried out alongside the London Fire Brigade demonstrated how rapidly garments can ignite when exposed to naked flames, including candles inside carved pumpkins.
Children's fancy dress outfits are legally classified as toys under UK law and must meet strict flammability standards.
Lawful costumes must display a UKCA or CE safety mark, alongside the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer so sellers can be traced.
Certain designs are also legally required to feature clear warning labels stating 'keep away from fire'.
Safety concerns around fancy dress prompted national discussion in 2014 after the daughter of television presenter Claudia Winkleman suffered serious burns when her witch costume brushed against a candle.
Lewis Collantine, lead officer for product safety at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: "The findings are disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising.
"For several years, major online marketplaces have continued to be a source of unsafe toys and Halloween costumes entering the UK market.
"Beyond missing essential safety markings such as a CE and UKCA mark, and a lack of traceability information, there are also concerns that some of the costumes may not comply with British safety standards.
"Features including long ribbons, cords and flowing fabric could become caught during play, increasing the risk of injury to children.
"Parents and carers can help protect their families by purchasing Halloween costumes from recognisable brands and reputable retailers, particularly those that have signed up to the British Retail Consortium’s voluntary flammability Code of Practice."
Firefighters have reinforced the warning and urged families to exercise extreme caution around decorative flames during festivities.
Rob Hill, London Fire Brigade station commander and fire investigation officer, said: "Fancy dress is a key part of Halloween and we want to ensure children are as safe as possible when they're out having fun.
"Fancy dress costumes are a real area of concern, if people don’t follow basic safety advice. If your children have dressed up, keep them away from open flames and heat sources.
"If a costume catches fire, it can cause significant burns that might put your children’s health at serious risk.
"It's important to ensure that the costume meets British or European safety standards."
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