VOLVO is recalling 70,000 cars due to fears that certain models could be prone to catching fire.

A spokesman for the Swedish company said that it has received reports of "a very small number" of cars catching fire, but no-one has been injured.

The firm's investigations found that "in very rare cases" a piece of plastic fitted as part of the engine can melt, causing a fire "in the most extreme cases".

The 70,000 UK cars affected are among more than half a million being recalled globally.

The affected models have four-cylinder diesel engines and are 2014-2019 versions of: S80, S60, V70, XC70, S60 Cross Country, V60, XC60, V60 Cross Country, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC90, V40 and V40 Cross Country.

Volvo said it was contacting all customers whose vehicles are affected to alert them to the issue.

Drivers are being told it is "safe to continue to use your car" if it does not show any symptoms indicating a problem, such as an engine warning light illuminating, a lack of power or an "unusual smell".

A second letter will be sent confirming when a solution to the problem is available.

Volvo said it notified the relevant authorities about the issue "as soon as it was identified".

It apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused, stating that it is taking "full responsibility to ensure the highest quality and safety standards of our cars".