A WOMAN experienced a freak accident while shopping in Aldi yesterday, as a loose e-cig battery exploded in her pocket and burned through her clothes.

Going about her weekly shop in the store on Wargrave Road, Newton-le-Willows, Sarah Beckett was given the shock of her life when her e-cig battery over heated and burst in her pocket.

Looking and sounding like a "firework going off", Sarah's husband Andrew explained she heard a loud bang and immediately felt an intense heat on her leg.

As she looked down, she saw the battery smoking and her keys "glowing orange" as they melted burned through her jeans and her brand-new jumper and coat.

St Helens Star: Sarah was taken to Whiston hospital as she suffered second degree burns Sarah was taken to Whiston hospital as she suffered second degree burns

Screaming with intense pain, Sarah was rushed to Whiston Hospital as the keys seared through to her skin and left her with second degree burns to her leg and stomach.

While the "horrible" accident both shocked and hurt Sarah, a retail worker at Home Bargains, the experience was eased by the "selfless kindness" of strangers.

Lucky that she was in a public place, Andrew explained that as soon as the explosion was heard, an elderly couple rushed over to help and were "fantastic" as they calmed her down, reassured her and contacted her husband.

After posting the incident online to warn others, Andrew was informed that anything metal, such as keys or change, can short circuit a battery if it touches the positive end.

Although Sarah has had to return to Whiston for treatment to the burns, she and her husband have been in contact with the couple who helped her and are sending flowers to show their gratitude.