Stella Artois recalls three batches of its new cider drink after several customers reported the bottles were exploding in their hands.

Customers have been urged to use gloves and eye protection before handling the 568 ml bottles of Stella Artois Cidre.

If the bottles are from the affected batches they must dial an emergency hotline immediately to arrange for them to be collected.

Stella Artois Cidre, the "explosive" bottle

According to InBev UK, which brews and markets Stella Artois Cidre, two customers had already been injured by a bottle which had “burst unexpectedly”.

An InBev UK spokeswoman said: “The safety of our consumers is our top priority and that is why InBev UK Ltd is taking the measure of recalling all potentially affected bottles.

“The potentially affected bottles come from three batches. No other Stella Artois products are affected.

“We are working closely with the Food Standards Agency to take all necessary action, and have moved quickly to understand and identify the issue and take action.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

The affected batches (1182381, 1214381 and 1217381) went on sale on July 1 and were sold individually or in packs of 12.

The batches accounted for just 1.4% of total Stella Artois Cidre bottles on sale in the UK.

Stella Artois warning