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

The two affected products, Patrull Klamma and Patrull Fast, had been on sale in the Dublin branch of the store.

Ikea 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”.

Maria Thorn, acting business area manager of Children’s Ikea, said: “Whenever we are made aware of a possible safety issue with our products, we investigate thoroughly.

“We cannot accept that there could be a risk of injury while playing and as an immediate and precautionary action we have decided to recall all Patrull safety gates.”

The gates have been sold in all Ikea’s markets around the world.

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

Ikea apologised for any inconvenience caused to customers.

Additional reporting: PA