Parents have been issued a stark warning over flammable Halloween costumes that can catch fire in seconds.

Many off-the-shelf outfits are classed as toys and don’t face the same fire safety tests as normal clothing.

In a string of safety tests fire chiefs watched as some costume wearers were engulfed in flames in seconds. They have urged parents to take extra care and keep children away from open flames.

It comes after incidents where youngsters have suffered severe burns when their Halloween outfits have caught light.

The Northern Echo: The fire service carried out the tests at its HQ in Washington.The fire service carried out the tests at its HQ in Washington. (Image: TWFRS)

Jonathan Ramanayake, from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “From pumpkin costumes to witch outfits, and princess dresses, many of those on sale on the High Street can go up in flames in a matter of seconds.

“Halloween costumes do undergo fire safety tests and we work with retailers to ensure they're as safe as possible. Labelling is also clearer than ever before.

“But at the end of the day, many costumes are actually classed as toys and so do not have to meet the same fire safety requirements as clothing.

The Northern Echo: The stark warning has been issued just days before Halloween as parents scramble to buy costumes.The stark warning has been issued just days before Halloween as parents scramble to buy costumes. (Image: TWFRS)

"The materials can be flammable and there have been examples across the country of children being severely burned when costumes have caught fire.”

Nine years ago, in 2014, TV presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter Matilda, then eight years old, suffered burns when her Halloween costume caught light.

She told The Mail the outfit “went up” and was like one of “those horrific birthday candles that you blow our and they come back.”

The Northern Echo: Claudia Winkleman with co-host Tess Daly on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special,Claudia Winkleman with co-host Tess Daly on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special, (Image: PA)

The Strictly host called for stricter rules and new voluntary guidelines followed by some retailers were introduced. They mean fabric on costumes cannot burn faster than 1cm a second, compared to 3cm a second under the current rules.

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However, the guidelines are voluntary, and costumes are still classed as toys. She previously said: "I would like parents on Halloween to think about what they're going to put their kids in because I didn't, and it cost us."

The results of fire testing should be displayed on the label.

He added that avoiding exposure to naked flames and using LED candles instead of real ones in a Jack-o'-lantern can help keep kids safe.

If the worst does happen and a costume catches fire, parents are being reminded children should ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ until the flames are out. They should call for help with any burn larger than a 50p coin and cool any burn with running water for up to 20 minutes before covering with cling film, a clean non-fluffy dressing, or cloth.