THOUSANDS of condenser tumble dryers could pose a fire risk due to an over-heating component.

Manufacturer Beko alerted customers of the fault in 3,450 of its products which was caused by a part supplied by a third party.

Four Beko models and one Blomberg model manufactured between May and November 2012 have been affected.

Owners of any of the following models are advised to stop using them immediately and disconnect them from the wall as a precaution: Beko DCU9330W, Beko DCU9330R, Beko DCU8230, Beko DSC85W, Blomberg TKF8439A.

Anyone who has an 8kg and 9kg capacity condenser tumble dryer from Beko and Blomberg should visit the Beko website to double-check whether their model is at risk of catching fire.

Consumers will need to enter their dryer's serial number and model number, which can be found on a plate inside the door rim.

Alternatively, call Beko on 0800 917 2018. Lines are open between 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Andrew Mullen, head of quality at Beko, said: "A small number of Beko and Blomberg 8kg and 9kg condenser tumble dryers have been affected by this faulty component, however we would urge any customer who thinks that they may be affected to check.

"Whilst there is a low level of risk, we are taking the proactive step of initiating a voluntary repair programme to ensure we can modify all affected products."

A spokesperson for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The manufacturer has come forward highlighting a safety issue and we would recommend following their advice."

The fire service's website features a page of fire safety advice relating to tumble dryers. Visit dwfire.org.uk for more information.

In February, Whirlpool upgraded a warning to consumers with faulty Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda dryers to unplug the potentially dangerous machines until they have been repaired.

Fire chiefs warned in October last year that owners of the faulty dryers must stop using them immediately, after one of the machines was found to be the cause of a huge blaze in an 18-storey tower block in Shepherd's Bush in west London.

London Fire Brigade said it believed a faulty Indesit dryer was the cause of the August 19 blaze, following an investigation.