PARENTS in the North-East are urged to be on their guard after potentially lethal sweets were found on sale.

The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent food hazard warning following the discovery of mini cup jelly sweets containing the addictive konjac.

The sweets were banned across Europe last year after 18 children died from choking. They do not dissolve easily and can become stuck in a child's throat.

A product called Jellyace Lychee Flavor Konjac has been found on sale in shops in England and Wales. A similar sweet called Jellyace Buko Pandan, labelled konjac, was found in Shropshire.

Both carry the brand name Sugarland.

Some packets of Jellyace Buko Pandan are labelled as containing locust bean hum, an alternative to konjac, and are legal.

Hartlepool Borough Council is warning parents of the dangers these sweets pose.

Senior environmental health officer Alison Hardy said: "We have no evidence that such sweets are on sale in the town but people should remain vigilant. If anyone believes that such a product is available locally I would urge them to contact us immediately."

Anyone with information should call (01429) 284065.