'Exploding' iPods investigated by European Commission

The European Commission has investigated reports that a number of Apple iPods and iPhones have exploded.

The move follows several reports across Europe about alleged problems with the hugely popular gadgets.

Earlier this month an 11-year-old girl from Liverpool claimed her iPod hissed before exploding.

The Commission were told by Apple that the reports related to "isolated incidents" and that there was not a general problem.

Helen Kearns, the Commission's consumer affairs spokeswoman, explained: "We invited Apple to share information with us that they might have regarding the recent press reports of incidents relating to Apple iPods and iPhones.

"Apple have come back to us today. They consider that these are isolated incidents and that there is not a general problem.

"For the cases which have been reported in the media, Apple are trying to get more information on the details of the incidents and will do tests as necessary to investigate the possible cause. This is as part of the normal process to follow up customer problems and complaints."

An Apple spokesman said: "We are aware of these reports and we are waiting to receive the iPhones from the customers.

"Until we have the full details, we don't have anything further to add."