A devastated mum is urging people not to buy electric scooters after one burst into flames and destroyed her home.

The horrifying blaze broke out at Ann-Marie Hawkins’ council house in Ramsgate on Monday afternoon while she and her five children were out enjoying the bank holiday.

Neighbours had to break the back door down so the family’s beloved dog could escape the fire.

Most of their belongings at the Bellevue Avenue property have been rendered useless and the family have now been rehomed by Thanet District Council nearby.

Ms Hawkins told KentOnline the electric scooter had been left in one of her children’s bedrooms.

“It’s very shocking. If it had happened at night, it would have been a very different outcome,” the 32-year-old single mum said.

“Everything upstairs is gone - that’s all been destroyed.

“It’s so scary to think about, and I’d warn off anyone thinking of getting an electric scooter.

“They’re just not worth it. It was only a toy for the kids to use on the grass outside, and it has taken everything from us.

“One of the firemen told me they get called out at least once a week for an electric scooter fire.”

The scooter was not charging at the time of the blaze and had not been used for some months.

Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

Electric scooters pose a fire hazard largely because of their lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat, catch fire - and even fail catastrophically and explode.

Ms Hawkins’ says her children, aged one to 13, are autistic and thrive on routine - so the disruption has caused huge stress.

The youngsters have been gifted school uniforms but one is too shaken to go to classes following the ordeal.

As well as their clothes and toys, keepsakes and items of personal value have been lost in the fire.

Ms Hawkins has praised her neighbours who sprang into action and says she is “so grateful” to everyone who helped.

“Now, we need to try and get the essentials for the kids because we have nothing,” the full-time mum added.

“The Salvation Army and Red Cross have donated some stuff, which I’m so thankful for.

“But we don’t know where we’ll go next. I just want to get back to some normality.

“This is the only home some of the kids would ever remember. It’s heartbreaking.”

A GoFundMe with a target of £150 has been launched by friend Jessica Raines, with money to be used on a new cot for Ms Hawkins’ one-year-old and clothes for the children.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.

It has published advice on its website on reducing the risk of electric scooter fires, which includes avoiding storing them in very hot or cold areas.

The fire service also recommends regularly checking the battery for any signs of damage.