French Government investigates exploding iPods

French authorities have launched an official investigation into the safety of iPhones after a number of cases of the devices overheating and breaking up.

The General Directorate for Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) confirmed to Agence France-Presse that it was investigating the issue after reports of French users being injured by faulty iPhones.

"An investigation is under way. We have been alerted to the problem and we are looking into it closely," said a spokesman from the DGCCRF.

In the latest case Rolland Caufman, a Parisian pensioner, reported his iPhone screen had broken up in July, the week after he bought it.

"I took it out of my pocket and held it to my ear and saw the screen crack up like a car windscreen," he said.

On Tuesday a French security guard also reported a similar problem and says he may sue after being caught in the eye with a shard of glass.

Apple has had a number of quality control issues in the past with lithium batteries and has been accused of trying to hush up cases of problems.

The EU has also asked Apple for more details on the faults.