BOLTON Council has launched an investigation into two businesses thought to be importing dangerous hoverboards into the borough.

The authority has been made aware of the potential suppliers and are taking action to ensure they comply with laws and regulations regarding the items.

Retailers across the UK have been forced to pull the self-balancing scooters from their shelves after many burst into flames.

A spokesman for Bolton Council would not confirm which retailers were being investigated but said: “We have been made aware of two potential suppliers importing hoverboards to Bolton and we’re investigating to make sure they comply with regulations.”

The Local Government Association is urging Christmas shoppers to leave the 'dangerous' items off their festive lists because of the fire risk they pose.

The LGA, which represents Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, said more than 80 per cent of 38,000 hoverboards stopped from entering the UK by Trading Standards since October have been deemed unsafe, many because of an 'increased risk of exploding or bursting into flames'.

Jeremy Hilton, chairman of the LGA's fire services management committee, said: "Hoverboards are top of Christmas wishlists for many people this year, but these exploding gadgets can cause major fires which put lives at risk.

"Trading Standards teams at councils nationwide have been working hard to stop dangerous hoverboards entering the country, but people are able to buy them online from unofficial websites.

"With major retailers pulling them from sale, we are urging people to think twice about buying a hoverboard because of the significant fire risk associated with them."

Retailers including Halfords, Amazon, John Lewis and Argos have stopped selling versions of the gadget in recent weeks.