FIREFIGHTERS have issued safety advice after a hoverboard caught alight in South Ockendon.

Two crews from Grays were called to South Road after an alarm was raised on Wednesday (16 July) at 9.55am.

Station Manager Adam Barber said: "The occupant saw flames coming from the hoverboard being stored under his bed and was able to move it to the balcony.

"The incident is a reminder to be extremely careful with lithium-ion batteries. He had plugged it in last week but it wouldn't hold a charge. If you believe there is a fault with a lithium-ion battery, dispose of it responsibly by taking it to a designated recycling point.

"It was extremely lucky he was at home and noticed the fire as quickly as he did. If lithium-ion batteries are damaged or faulty they can catch fire, so it is safer to store them away from your living areas."

Crews extinguished the fire by 10.12am.