off one of the torch-style flares which come as standard safety kit.

The company have removed the flares from most cars but it is thought that one or two may have slipped through the net.

A week ago a woman motorist found the red six-inch long flare in the glove compartment while waiting in traffic on Parliament Street.

While examining it she took the top off, causing a flame to leap out. The panicking driver then threw the flare out of the window.

However, HWP president Jonathan Brewin pointed out that it was unlikely she could have set the flare off accidently as it has to be dismantled before it is set off.

He said: "You have to squeeze off the plastic cover and turn it upside down to strike it against the ignition pad on top of the flare.'' The hand-held flare burns brightly with a four-inch flame spitting out the end for about 10 minutes. It also creates a plume of smoke, but does not actually shoot off anywhere.

He added: "This flare forms part of manufacturers supplied safety package for the Nissan March. It is designed to assist drivers to forewarn other motorists of potential dangers and is similar to that of a marine flare and it has to be dismantled.

"The body of the flare is struck against the main ignition pad.

"We have endeavoured to remove flares from 50 to 60 cars sold in the past three years.

"And we shall be writing to Nissan March drivers warning of the potential dangers and ask for the flares to be returned to the Police.

"This is the first incidence that we are aware of this flare being ignited.'' Police spokesman Coleman Easton said: "They are potentially quite dangerous.

If you lit one while you were driving, it could be a serious problem.'' He said the flares, which come in tubes with Japanese instructions, could also present a danger if they got in the hands of children.

"We would appeal to anyone who finds one to hand them into the Police station and we will take them,'' Mr. Easton said.

"I would also ask people not to throw them in the trash as they could accidently strike alight there.''