Argos is understood to have withdrawn a line of furniture from its stores after customers suffered burns and sores.

The retailer told BBC News that the “very small” number of incidents may be linked to the leather covering on some of the Pia & Bari pieces bought in its stores.

The furniture had been made with leather from a specific tannery over a nine-week period and Argos maintained it was possible customers had an allergic reaction.

Argos has withdrawn the items while the investigation is under way and is contacting the customers.

“The issue relates to a very small proportion of the Pia & Bari furniture we have sold, which, in turn, represents a very small level of our upholstery sales,” said Argos. “But the health and safety of our customers is our top priority and we have been working closely with a range of experts who have been advising us on the appropriate course of action.”