THE Justice Secretary has called for a ban on the sale of tiny mobile phones.

David Lidington wants online retailers to stop selling the gadgets, which are no bigger than a cigarette lighter.

Officials say the mini phones are freely available on the internet and can go undetected by body orifice security scanners that are in place in jails around England and Wales.

Mobile phones have emerged as a major security challenge for prisons.

In a speech tomorrow, Mr Lidington will raise his concerns about the possibility of such devices being smuggled.

The move could have an impact on recently-unveiled plans by Bradford-born entrepreneur, Shazad Talib.

Last week, Zanco Tiny T1 phone, roughly the same size as a car keyfob, was launched by Mr Talib, who is now based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.

He specialises in tiny phones and the T1 weighs in at just 13 grams and has a 0.49 inch OLED screen with a resolution of 64 x 12 pixels.

The phone, and a Kickstarter appeal to fund it, was launched last week.

The page describes the Zanco as a “must have gadget of 2018” and the perfect novelty gift.

It outlines it as being an ideal backup or emergency phone, as well as being ideal for joggers, runners, walkers, cyclists or those who take part in extreme sports.

The Telegraph & Argus has been unable to reach Mr Talib for comment on Mr Lidington’s proposals.