A SUPERMARKET giant has recalled 165,000 chocolate Santas following alleged tampering incidents.

Co-op recalled the hollow milk chocolate confectionary after two of them had been found to contain a small button-cell battery.

The festives figures which had been tampered with were bought at two different locations, one in Suffolk and another in Essex.

A spokesperson for the chain store said: "The health and safety of our customers is our top priority."

They added the incidents were being investigated and the police and Food Standards Agency were being notified.

No other products are affected.

The spokesperson has advised customers who have one of the chocolate Santas to not eat the item and call the their Careline Team on freephone 0800 0686 727 for a full refund.