Could your tumble dryer cause a fire?

There are renewed warnings of the fire risk posed by faulty tumble dryers after a family lost their home and belongings in a blaze at the weekend.

Across the country over 700 fires have been blamed on faulty machines made by Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit.

The company said it had identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryers - the large air vented dryer and the condensing dryer - sold under the brand names of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda between April 2004 and September 2015.

It said in some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element in the tumble dryer and present a risk of fire.

Affected customers are being contacted so that their machine can be repaired but are being told they can still use their appliances as long as they are not left unattended while in operation.

Customers who have any concerns are being asked to check whether their model could be affected online or by calling Indesit.

A spokesman said: "We estimate that a significant number of units will be affected, but at this stage, we cannot speculate regarding the specific figure.

"These products were marketed in the UK and a number of other countries over the past 11 years, so we would expect a fairly large number of them to be affected."

The affected brands are:

• Hotpoint

• Indesit

• Creda

What owners of these tumble dryers should do:

• Customers can check online whether their model is affected at http://safety.hotpoint.euor http://safety.indesit.eu

• Customers can also call 0800 151 0905

• Continue to use their appliances but until updated follow the original instructions for using the appliance.

• Not leave the appliance unattended during operation.

• Check the lint filter after every cycle.

• Ensure proper venting as directed in the original operating manual.