More than half a million Whirlpool washing machines will be recalled over a potential fire risk.

The company has revealed up to 519,000 products sold under the Hotpoint and Indesit brands in the UK between October 2014 and February 2018 will be recalled due to a potential fault which may cause a fire.

These products, which have been sold for more than five years, have problems with their door locking systems - they can catch fire due to overheating during the washing process.

Owners may have to go without hot washes for months until the products are fixed or replaced. The company has said this process will begin in January.

This announcement comes just three months after Whirlpool was forced to recall tumble dryers amid safety concerns, and up to 500,000 more of the company's tumble dryers were found to have a fire risk earlier this year.

For customers who think their machine might be included in the current washing machine recall, Whirlpool asks them to call 0800 3161442 or report the problem online.

They will need their model number and serial number and will then be emailed next month with an update on whether their product needs to be fixed or replaced.

Consumers with an affected washing machine will be entitled to a free replacement. Old machines will be removed, and replacements installed, at no extra cost.

Vulnerable customers will be prioritised and for others, service will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Office for product safety and standards chief executive Graham Russell said: "Whirlpool is recalling models of washing machines due to consumer safety concerns.

"They have advised consumers with affected models to unplug their machine until it is replaced.

"The office for product safety and standards will closely monitor Whirlpool to ensure the recall is carried out successfully.

"Our priority is to keep consumers safe and we urge affected customers to unplug their washing machines, contact Whirlpool and follow its advice."

To eliminate risk of fire, customers are asked to unplug their appliance and not use it until it has been checked and repaired.

A full list of affected machines can be found on the Whirlpool website.

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