Christmas bargain hunters have been warned to avoid potentially life-threatening “fake” games consoles and power adaptors.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) warned today that hundreds of counterfeit Nintendo consoles had been seized freight depots around the country.

The popular DS and DS Lite gadgets had been ordered online by bargain hunters and imported from Asia. They were bought for £40 instead of the usual retail price of around £100.

Customs officials who tested the consoles said they were potentially dangerous because they had not been electronically tested and do not meet strict UK safety standards.

HMRC’s Head of Intellectual Property rights Pamela Rogers said: “Consumers must be vigilant when purchasing goods online. Buy from a reputable or regulated site and, if purchasing from outside the UK or a new website, research the site – check all the facts before you buy.

“At best, these consoles would have led to disappointment on Christmas morning; at worst, they could have caused serious harm or injury.

“Counterfeit goods also cause considerable damage to the UK economy.”