Ikea has recalled a line of safety gates following reports that children have fallen down stairs after they opened unexpectedly.

The Swedish furniture giant has urged anyone with a Patrull gate to stop using it "immediately" and return it for a full refund.

The retailer said customers had reported the safety gates opening unexpectedly and children falling down stairs.

Some of the incidents had required medical attention.

Ikea said a third party investigation had shown that the locking mechanism was not reliable, posing a risk for small children, "despite approved tests to applicable standards".

Ms Thorn said the gates were recalled as "precautionary action".

The gates, which are named the Patrull Klamma and the Patrull Fast, have been sold in all Ikea's markets around the world, including the UK.

Customers can return the gate to any Ikea store and do not need a receipt.

Ikea said it "apologises for any inconvenience this may cause".