Firefighters have issued a warning to owners of e-bikes and e-scooters after a blaze erupted in a North East home last month.

Fire crews attended a kitchen fire in the early hours of Saturday morning on September 23 after a child’s e-bike caught alight and forced a family to flee their South Shields home.

It was found the likely cause of the blaze was a lithium-ion battery pack on a child’s e-bike that had been in the kitchen.

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Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire caused serious damage to the property.

Area manager Paul Russell said: “Sadly there was significant damage to the kitchen and it quickly became evident the likely cause was the battery on an electric bike.

“If not looked after carefully, lithium-ion batteries, like the one on this bike, can be very volatile and can lead to quick-spreading fires.

“It is really important that you don’t overcharge them, only use merchandise from reputable traders and don’t charge them while you’re asleep.

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“Also make sure you don’t keep them in ways of exit routes so, in the event of the fire, you can escape safely.

“This was a great job by our firefighters, and we are glad the family are safe, but it is an important reminder for all those who own electric bikes or scooters.”

For more information about e-bike and e-scooter safety, check out the Fire England campaign here.