COTSWOLD residents are being warned about the dangers of using cheap electrical chargers.

Gloucestershire's Trading Standards are highlighting that batteries and chargers without overload protection can overheat, leading to not only electrocution and burns - but they can explode causing serious house fires.

Many chargers are bought online and come direct from China, often made with poor quality components and failing to meet UK safety regulations.

The amount of technology people own has vastly increased in recent years with 1.8 million mobile phone chargers bought online in the UK each year, and an estimated 2.1 million people now using e-cigarettes in Great Britain.

Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “A Stroud resident recently had a lucky escape when an e-cigarette battery exploded in the kitchen while being charged, setting fire to a nearby roll of kitchen paper.

“By remarkable co-incidence Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service was carrying out a visit at an adjacent property and a firefighter was on hand to quickly put the fire out before it had a chance to spread.”

Andy Hermiston, deputy chief fire officer and head of trading standards, said: “Consumers need to be aware that they can be put at risk of injury when electrical devices are purchased from a seller outside of the UK and European Union.

“We urge people to buy electrical items from a reputable source and check that they have a British or European safety mark."