Youngsters are still at risk from supermarket Halloween costumes that can burst into flames within seconds, an investigation has revealed.

Essex firefighters have issued a stark warning about the dangers of getting close to a naked flame while wearing a Halloween costume.

The investigation, which was conducted by the Sun newspaper, found that Halloween costumes from major retail chains set alight extremely quickly – and in some cases, flames were dangerously quick to spread.

Within two seconds, two of the costumes had gone up in flames – and one continued to burn until there was almost nothing left of the polyester material.

The costumes were tested by Andre Turner, Watch Manager at Essex Fire and Rescue, using a lighter.

They were then ranked depending on how easily they could be ignited – and how aggressive the flame turned out to be.

The first to be tested was Aldi’s Witch Costume for five to six-year-olds sold in stores for £3.99.

It is made of 100 per cent polyester and has been flammability-tested.

The dress took two seconds to ignite and burnt for six minutes and 22 seconds.

It ranked the worst of all six supermarkets when tested on speed and aggression of the fire.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are surprised by the result of this test as they contradict the results of scientific tests we have conducted under strict laboratory conditions.

“All of our dress-up costumes are subject to rigorous and independent flammability tests that meet the required European Toy Safety Directive and the BRC voluntary Codes of Practice.”

Lidl’s Ghost Bride Costume for four to six-year-olds was next to be tested.

It costs £4.49 and is also 100 per cent polyester.

The ignition time was seven seconds and it burned for one minute and 15 seconds.

A Lidl UK spokesman said: “At Lidl UK, we take the issue of product safety extremely seriously. In order to enhance the safety of our Halloween costumes, our garments are tested to and comply with British Nightwear Regulations and include additional flammability labelling.”

Tesco’s £11 Halloween Dark Fairy Costume is for kids aged between one and ten years old and is made of 100 per cent polyester. The dress ignited in three seconds and burnt for 3 minutes and ten seconds, burning much slower than others.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “There’s nothing more important than our customers’ safety, so all of our kids’ Halloween costumes meet recognised industry safety standards and are made from materials that perform well in flammability tests.”

Morrisons’ £12 Emerald Spider Witch costumer for five to six-year-olds ignited in just two seconds but took two minutes and seven seconds to burn out.

The flames initially hid behind the layered skirt and were not visible until reaching the chest area. Morrisons have not responded to request for comment.

Asda’s £9 Creepy Spider Witch costume by George was one of the least flammable costumes tested. It is aimed at seven to eight-year-olds and is again made of 100 per cent polyester. It took 56 seconds to ignite and burnt for one minute and one second. An Asda spokesman said: “We take our responsibilities seriously so that at Halloween our customers can just focus on having seriously spooky fun.

“We select and produce our Halloween collection with great care, ensuring all our products meet the legal safety standards. In addition, all of our children’s dress-up garments have also undergone additional flammability testing and are clearly labelled for customers’ peace of mind.”

The £14 Enchanted Witch Costume from Sainsbury’s was the best performing dress tested. It is aimed at five to six-year-olds and is also 100 per cent polyester.

The dress took six seconds to ignite from the lighter and only burnt for 35 seconds.

The supermarket says their costumes are tested to European Toy and British Nightwear flammability safety standards. As well as this, the outfits are tested to their own “stringent standard”, which means costumes are tested extensively at different stages in production. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We want to help keep everyone safe this Halloween, which is why our Halloween range includes LED tea lights and our costumes not only meet, but exceed the highest standards.”