A HOUSE fire started when a mobile phone was left connected to an incompatible charger.

The phone overheated and set fire to a bedroom when it was left on charge for around 20 minutes using an incompatible USB plug.

The householder smelled smoke coming from the bedroom and called firefighters who put out the fire.

No-one was injured during the incident, which happened at Blaydon in Gateshead, on December 30.

Tyne and Wear Fire Service and Gateshead Council Trading Standards have now issued a warning to phone owners to ensure they only use the proper chargers.

The damaged phone and charger were sent to Gateshead Council’s testing laboratory where it was established that the phone and charger were incompatible, causing the phone to overheat.

The phone was resting on a surface which melted when it became hot and caught fire.

Anneliese Hutchinson from Gateshead Council said “The serious nature of this incident shows how important it is to use the right charger for the device you are charging.

“Different devices draw different amounts of current and if the charger or USB plug used is not the one supplied with the device then people need to check that they are compatible.

“Had the homeowner left the device plugged in overnight, the consequences of this fire could have been much worse”.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our advice is to always check products have markings indicating they have passed British safety standards and don't be tempted to buy fake goods advertised as being compatible with devices.

“What may seem like a good deal at the time could cost you a lot more in the long run”.