AN investigation into e-cigarettes has discovered a potentially toxic chemical linked to lung disease within one of the e-liquids tested for sale in the North-East.

The discovery, which will be shown Inside Out NE & Cumbria's current affairs programme, reveals the product – sold by VIP, one of the biggest e-cigarette companies in the UK - has since been withdrawn.

Four different types of e-cigarette liquid were put to the test in a laboratory - three were fine but one e-liquid contained diacetyl, a chemical which is safe to eat but not safe to inhale. It is linked to serious lung disease.

Lynne White, head of retail distribution at VIP, said she was "very disappointed" Inside Out had been able to buy the refill as they had detected the chemical through their own testing and it should have been withdrawn about a week before it was bought.

Speaking in the film, she said: "Because of the small amount the vaper would actually consume it was deemed in the short term there would be no health concerns. Long term, yes there could well be however we decided it was a withdrawal rather than a recall of the product and that was based on Ecita's guidelines.

"This is our first issue in five years. We sell millions of bottles a year."

The film also interviews health experts about e-cigarettes and questions how harmful they really are.

Inside Out is on in the North East and Cumbria, tonight (Monday, September 1), at 7.30pm on BBC One.