Warning after man dies following e-cigarette blaze

There's a warning from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service about the potential dangers of electronic cigarettes.

It comes following the death of a man in Wallasey after his e-cigarette exploded into flames and ignited oxygen equipment he's believed to have been using.

The 62-year-old was found dead in the living room of a property on Penkett Road in Wallasey, Merseyside.

While the exact cause of death is yet to be established, the subsequent fire investigation by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) found that an e-cigarette that had been charging in the bedroom exploded, caught fire and ignited the oxygen tube of an oxygen concentrator, which may have been in use by the occupier.

There was a small amount of smoke damage to the property, though the small fire in the bedroom had been extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.

An inquest will be held to determine the cause of the man's death.

It is the ninth fire involving e-cigarettes on Merseyside alone since the turn of the year, MFRS said. It has launched a campaign to give help and advice on smoke alarms and the use of the devices and their chargers.