The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning about counterfeit chargers after several incidents of them catching fire and exploding.

It said lives could be at risk from imitation Apple iPhone chargers and using the wrong chargers with devices like e-cigarettes.

Within this month, the brigade said there were two lucky escapes in which no-one was injured.

In one an electric cigarette charger caught alight but the owner was able to turn off the electrical supply before it spread.

The second was a fake charger bought from a phone stall which exploded but did not catch fire.

It was only two weeks after the owner had purchased it.

Charlie Pugsley, head of fire investigation at the brigade, said these fake chargers could lead to a death.

He said: “It is crucial people only use the genuine chargers supplied by the manufacturer with their electrical goods.

“One charger may work with multiple electrical items, but it may be of a higher voltage or current than recommended for your device.

“Ensuring the correct type of charger is used will not only stop your device from getting damaged, but will also help prevent fires which can be serious, and could even result in death.”