E-cigarette users have been given a safety warning after a device blew up while charging at a pensioner's home.

The incident happened at a sheltered housing unit in Troon, South Ayrshire, when a cheap e-cigarette bought on an overseas holiday exploded.

It blew up after being plugged in for the first time and charged for just five minutes.

The pensioner heard a loud bang and a whoosh, describing the explosion as being like a Roman candle firework going off in his living room.

Trading standards officials at the council have now issued a warning to people using the technology to stick to some safety rules to make sure the same thing does not happen to them.

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in Scotland. Charity Ash Scotland estimates that in 2010 just 3% of smokers aged 18 and over used e-cigarettes, with the number having soared to 17% by 2014.

The technology is increasingly used by people trying to cut down on their tobacco consumption and by those looking to quit.

Mike Newall, head of neighbourhood services at South Ayrshire Council, said: "We charge so many gadgets these days that it's easy to take their safety for granted but, as incidents like these show, there is a real and present danger.

"While in the majority of cases charging will be completely safe, it's worth remembering that batteries can and do overheat, and without taking proper care to ensure your device is safe you can run the risk of starting a fire.

"We would recommend buying from a trusted source, always use the charger that comes with your device, and above all use common sense."

- Don't overcharge

- Remove the battery from charge when complete

- Never leave a charging battery unattended

- Always use the charger provided for your product and follow the manufacturer's instructions

- In the case of e-cigarettes, don't over tighten the atomiser when connecting it to the charger

- Check your battery has built-in protection from overcharging or overheating

- Never charge a battery that has been damaged or dropped

- Never leave a charging battery unattended

- Don't use if wet