A major retailer has said it will stop selling Chinese lanterns after concerns over their safety.

Poundland, which has a branch in Walthamstow, announced the withdrawal of the paper lanterns, which are powered by a lit centre, yesterday, according to the BBC.

The announcement comes after a massive warehouse fire in the West Midlands was triggered by a lantern, not sold by the store.

The lanterns have also been accused of causing many animals a ‘slow and painful death’ after they land in Epping Forest.

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages the forest, has joined fire brigades in calling for the lanterns to be banned.