As Brits prepare to spend Christmas day with family and friends, many fear they could experience a festive disaster at home.
Retailers should prepare for a possible increase in panic purchases in the New Year as new research by insurer Allianz has found that homeowners have experienced a Christmas calamity. It revealed that 24% of the 2,000 householders it surveyed have had burst pipes and water leaks in the past. 44% of people said it "ruined their day".

Other common household problems included power cuts and burglaries. As people flock to the shops in January, or even over the Christmas period, many could be buying things to repair damages in their homes.

Jon Lott from Allianz Your Cover said: "In the event that something goes wrong on Christmas day, it's worth having a list of emergency contact numbers to hand. Households with insurance should check to see if they have home emergency cover, so that in the event of a heating, plumbing or electricity crisis, they can call their insurer to receive immediate advice and support."