A charity is calling for stricter safety measures for lithium batteries after a fire ripped through a row of houses in Gosport.

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday night in Hill Park Road, forced families to flee their homes.

Following the blaze, the fire service said that an e-scooter is believed to have been the cause of the fire.

Now, Electrical Safety First has urgently called on the next government to enhance safety measures, especially on the mandatory third-party assessments of these batteries before they are allowed to be sold in the UK.

This change would bring e-bike and e-scooter batteries in line with existing requirements for other high-risk products such as fireworks and heavy machinery, which already have to undergo independent assessment.

Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First commented: “This recent fire in Hampshire is just one of many we’re seeing up and down the country related to the charging of e-bike or e-scooter batteries, an issue that continues to put lives at risk.

“These batteries, when fully charged, can store a similar amount of energy to the TNT in six hand grenades and when they fail a process called thermal runaway begins, creating ferocious fires that can destroy a room in minutes.

“Whilst many factors play a part in a battery catching fire it is clear, based on the number of incidents and casualties we’re seeing, that there is an urgent need for legislative change.

“We are urging the next Government to adopt our proposals, laid out last year, to introduce independent third-party certification for e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries to reduce the risk of substandard batteries entering homes.”

After the fire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning to e-scooter users to charge them outdoors.

A HIWFRS spokesperson said: "The main danger occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells.

"Charging lithium batteries indoors increases the fire risk, especially if charged overnight when occupants are sleeping."