Argos has warned parents to stop using certain car seats "immediately" as it issued an urgent recall over safety fears.

The retailer has recalled five products from upmarket brand Mamas & Papas.

The recall affects products sold in Ireland as well as the UK. A spokesman for Argos said only a small number of the seats had been sold in Ireland.

It is feared the models may not be able to protect children in the event of a crash, with their shells cracking under impact.

In a statement, the company said: “We have identified a potential safety concern. In the event of an accident the car seat shell may crack and therefore not provide the intended level of protection to the user.”

Argos is offering a full refund to customers and advised: “If you have purchased any of the seats, you should immediately stop using the product and return the car seat to your local Argos store for a full refund.

“We wish to thank you for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused by this recall.”

The affected models are:

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1 Black ( Argos catalogue number 297/7526).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1 Grey ( Argos catalogue number 411/9100).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1-2-3 Black ( Argos catalogue number 305/6037).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1, 2, 3 Grey ( Argos catalogue number 397/9530).

- Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 2-3 Black and Grey ( Argos catalogue number 245/4829).