In photos: Inside the Aldridge house gutted by fire caused by exploding karaoke machine

The home of Emma and Jon Logan and their four children is now a picture of devastation after the property in Walsall Wood Road in Aldridge erupted in flames after a karaoke machine operated by chargeable batteries exploded on April 30.

The family's pet dogs were rescued by a neighbour, but their pet rabbit Bobby, who was in the loft, sadly perished in the blaze which the family believe happened after the toy became too warm during the recent hot weather.

Now the family are urging other householders to store goods operated by lithium batteries carefully to avoid a repeat of such fires. Meanwhile an online fundraising appeal to help them has so far collected more than £9,000 towards the £60,000 repairs target. 

Mr Logan, a 38-year-old tattoo artist, said: "We've just had a horrendous fire caused by a lithium battery that's ruined most part of our house. We're just trying to raise awareness on the dangers of lithium batteries and also we are launching a GoFundMe. 

"Any little will help, doesn't matter how big or how small - we're grateful for everybody's contribution and hopefully we can have some sort of normality back in the future."

His wife Emma, aged 35, a teaching assistant, said: "Jon had a call from our neighbour to say our house was on fire. Jon called me and I had a look at our remote doorbell camera system. At first I didn't believe it. I could see images of people panicking outside our house. 

"As I work nearby I thought I would pop home to take a look. As I was pulling up to the road junction a fire engine shot past me and I just knew they were going to my house. 

"I got there minutes later and they were four engines at the door. I could see the flames and smoke in the roof. The firefighters were trying to break open the front door with some equipment. I was just in time to give them the key which they used in the end.

"The place is in a right state after the flames and all the water that was pumped in to put it out. Everything is soaking wet.

"We're hoping to cover the cost of replacing the roof which my husband has the skills to do himself." 

Relatives and friends have launched an online fundraising appeal for £60,000 to help them repair their home of 18 months after it was discovered their house insurance policy had not automatically renewed, leaving them with no financial protection.

To support the family visit gofundme.com/f/uy793-the-logan-family.