A FIRE chief has warned against using knock-off phone chargers after one caused a house fire.

Four crews were called to a house in Shoreham where the charger had set alight in a first-floor bedroom.

Though firefighters managed to contain the flames, the house in Church Green was smoke damaged.

Now Shoreham station commander Giles Sparkes has warned against using fake chargers due to the fire risks involved.

“Early investigations suggest this fire started as the result of an after-market phone charger,” he said.

“We would always urge residents to use the charger that came with your device.

“If you need to replace it, make sure it is a genuine, branded product with the CE mark. Fake chargers are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations.

“Make sure you unplug chargers when not in use and don’t overload sockets.”

West Sussex County Council trading standards manager Peter Aston said fake chargers can kill.

“As well as posing a fire risk, unsafe electrical items such as chargers can cause electrocution,” he said. “We advise people to only buy from a recognised brand or high street retailer.”