Safety fears over more than four million Hotpoint tumble dryers are continuing to grow months after the problem was first identified by manufacturers.

It is believed they have been affected by a fault that can cause fires.

According to consumer watchdog Which? some 113 different models of tumble dryer are thought to be affected by the fault which was revealed last year, leading to a nationwide safety alert being issued.

What is the problem?

Hotpoint has identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryers where, in some rare cases, excess fluff could come into contact with the heating element in the machine and present a risk of fire.

The company's large air vented dryer and condensing dryer - both of which were sold under the brand names of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda between April 2004 and September 2015 - have been identified as potential risks.

Which machines are affected?

Hotpoint has not issued a full list of the affected models but the following brands have been identified as potential risks.

Customers can also check if their machine's specific model number is one of those affected, by looking on the Indesit and Hotpoint safety sites (Creda owners can check via the Hotpoint site).

According to the safety warning, if your product has a green "dot" sticker on the door area or on the back plate no action is required.

Where can a machine's model number be found?

The full model number (required without spaces) can be found on a tag located either on the back of the dryer door or in the recess of the dryer door.

What extra information is out there?

Consumer watchdog Which? has compiled its own list of 113 affected machines after checking the model names of more than 140 dryers on the manufacturers websites.

What should owners of potentially affected tumble dryers do?