Battery charger fire damages homes and sheds

The fire spread across several gardens and damaged the outside of two homes

Sheds, gardens and fences have been destroyed and the outside of two homes left damaged after a fire started by a newly bought battery charger.

The fire on Catalina Close in Lee-on-the-Solent broke out on Tuesday at about midday.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said the battery charger in a shed, bought online, was being used for the first time.

The fire service said if the owner had not checked the charging unit in time "it could have spread further into their home" and urged people to heed its advice and make sure products were properly certified.

Station manager Carl Halewood said: "This charger was bought online and only arrived that morning before being put to use for the first time inside the shed.

"This is an important reminder that when looking for the latest electrical gadgets and chargers, that you do your research to ensure you are buying safe products which are properly certified from reputable retailers."