A WOMAN claims she could have been killed by a hair appliance she bought online.

The woman, from Tollehsunt D’Arcy, purchased the item from China over the internet.

When it arrived she found it to be extremely dangerous.

The Volumizing Hood was bought for £6 on eBay but she noticed issues with it as soon as it arrived.

She said: “The first thing I noticed was it was a two-pin plug.

“I questioned them about it and was told it is a US standard. I asked my husband, who is an electrician, about it and he told me there was no way I should use it.

“There was only a thin bit of cotton between the wet hair and the electrodes. Anything could have happened if I had turned it on.

“It could burst into flames straight away. I probably would have used it if I didn’t have my husband here, and who know what could have happened.”

“I want it taken down but I do not know how it can be done. They have got it up under so many different names, it would take them forever.

“I just want to make people aware of how dangerous this thing is.”

The product was reported to Essex Trading Standards whose officer described it as “the most dangerous electrical product” he has ever investigated.

Anne Brown, county councillor responsible for corporate and communities, said: “Not only could this item have easily caught fire, there’s a great chance it could also have electrocuted any person unlucky enough to try to use it.

“The sad thing is that this isn’t an isolated issue, hundreds if not thousands of products such as this are available online from sites such as eBay.

“Our officers have to prove each of them individually is dangerous before we can have the listing removed.

“Take care when shopping online and contact us if you think you have bought anything dangerous.”

To report a concern to Trading Standards, call 03454 040506 or visit citezensadvice.org.uk.