A woman was left in shock when her glass garden table exploded into shards of glass during the heatwave.
Janet Thompson, from South Mead, Epsom, said her dogs could have been killed if they had been underneath the table at the time.
Mrs Thompson said: "I was sitting just inside the patio doors; my two small dogs were soaking up the sun when there was an almighty explosion.
"It actually sounded like a bomb exploding.
"At first I did not realise where all the falling glass was coming from."
Mrs Thompson is keen to warn other families to be careful after the incident on Friday, July 12.
She said she had bought the table from Wilkinson a few years ago and had kept it outside since May.
She said: "Nothing at all had been dropped onto the table, that day or any other time.
"I am convinced it shattered from the intense heat from the sun.
"Many people I know have glass garden tables and are all worried now."
In a letter to Mrs Thompson dated July 19, Wilkinson consumer advisor Matt Sellars enclosed a £50 gift card and apologised for problems with the Dominica patio set.
Mr Sellars wrote: "I was concerned to learn of the details you have described and would like to offer my sincere apologies on behalf of Wilkinson for any upset and distress this matter may have caused you and your family.
"Customer care and safety is of paramount importance to the company and I would like to thank you for notifying us of this incident."
He added Wilkinson only uses safety glass in its garden furniture range, which either will not break or will ‘break safely’ in a way that does not cause injury.
He said: "The small pieces that are formed are small so they will not cause laceration.
"We consider that had there been a manufacturing fault with the item it would have become apparent at a much earlier stage, unfortunately it is not possible for us to determine which outside factors may have led to the table shattering."
Janet Thompson with her dogs next to the broken table
Dogs, named Renzo and Eddie, sit on garden chairs next to the broken table
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here