A SOUTHAMPTON schoolboy has had a lucky escape after his e-scooter caught fire and filled his bedroom with smoke.

The vehicle's battery had been left on charge overnight in Larelle Jauncey’s flat when it caught fire shortly after 1am on Wednesday.

The family were woken by the smoke alarm which allowed them to safely evacuate and call 999.

Emergency services were called to Dyer Road after the family reported smoke coming from 12-year-old Kaleb’s bedroom.

Crews from Redbridge and St Mary’s were on the scene.

READ MORE: Girl hit by van on Sandy Lane near Eastleigh

Mum Larelle said: “His whole bedroom was full of smoke but there was no sign of any fire. I got all the kids up and we all got out and that’s when I dialled 999.

“It’s left us shocked and tired but grateful. It makes me feel sick when I think about what could have happened.”

Now, families are being urged to not leave e-Scooters on charge overnight.

Station Manager Dave Graham said: “Please don’t charge e-scooters overnight when you are asleep.

“The crews did a great job in persevering to find out what the cause was because there was just a smell of smoke and it could have been missed.”

Mr Graham added: “Everyone had evacuated because they could see and smell smoke in the bedroom but they couldn’t initially see where it was coming from.

“The crew went in and turned the e-scooter off and used the thermal imaging camera, but it wasn’t until they moved the scooter and the battery popped out that it became clear that was where it was coming from.

“It wasn’t a large fire but I’ve no doubt that this child’s life was saved by the working smoke detector because the bedroom door was shut and there would have been smoke inhalation.”

Martyn Allen, Technical Director of charity Electrical Safety First said incidents like this are becoming “increasingly common”. 

He said: “E-scooters use lithium ion batteries which can pose a serious risk of fire if people end up purchasing substandard versions of these batteries or use a sub-standard or incorrect charger. 

"As a result, it is important people do not leave their scooters charging overnight, charge their devices with a charger supplied by the manufacturer and to only buy e-scooters or replacement batteries and chargers from a reputable High Street retailer they know and trust.”

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