HALF-a-million tumble dryers have been recalled by a manufacturer after they were linked to hundreds of fires.

Whirlpool – which makes Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda dryers – has issued the recall for up to 500,000 of its products.

Customers who bought tumble dryers made by the affected brands, which also include Swan and Proline, between April 2004 and September 2015 have been urged to stop using them immediately.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has also issued a warning over the faulty products – which have been blamed for causing around 750 fires over the 11-year period.

The fire service’s head of prevention Nick Evans said: “Our advice is, if you think you are one of those people affected by this recall, to please stop using the tumble dryer immediately and contact the manufacturer for the free modification.

“In general, keep your tumble dryer well maintained by cleaning the filters after every cycle and never use your machine when going out or going to bed.

“If you notice that clothes are taking a long time to dry or items are much hotter than usual at the end of a cycle, that can be the sign of a faulty dryer.

“If you smell burning unplug it immediately.”

The fault in two different types of tumble dryer means that excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and ignite.

Blazes started in tumble dryers are among the top ten reasons for house fires in Cheshire – accounting for three per cent of such incidents.

Whirlpool’s recall alert said: “Following Whirlpool's acquisition of the Hotpoint and Indesit brands, Indesit Company has closely reviewed the safety of its product portfolio.

“As part of this review, we have identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015.

“In some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and present a risk of fire.

“Whirlpool branded tumble dryers are not affected by this safety notice.

“We are activating an extensive consumer outreach and service action plan in order to provide our consumers with products that are updated to higher safety and quality standards – we will arrange a visit from an engineer, free of charge, to modify your appliance.

“The service call will take approximately one hour – the improvements we believe are necessary will further enhance the safety and quality of your dryer.

“Until your appliance is modified, you should unplug it and not use it until the upgrade has been installed by a Whirlpool engineer.”