Cosmetics containing lead and mercury seized in Derby

Cosmetic products containing mercury and lead have been seized from a shop in Derby.

Trading standards officers discovered 10 products at the premises, five of which were found to be unsafe.

Lead and mercury were found in skin whitening cream and hair tonic. All 10 products were incorrectly labelled, Derby City Council said.

The products will now be destroyed and a survey of other shops carried out across the city.

Councillor Asaf Afzal, from Derby City Council, said: "It's important that consumers and traders are aware of exactly what is in these products."

Mr Afzal, cabinet member for the environment and public protection, said: "If people use these products on a regular basis it can lead to brain damage, kidney failure and damage to the nervous system."

He said the products were manufactured outside of Europe and were not regulated.