Sony Corp has said that it is recalling 440,000 units of Vaio laptop computers worldwide due to faulty parts that could trigger overheating.

The recalls involve 19 models of Vaio TZ laptop series manufactured between May 2007 and July 2008, including three export models.

The Tokyo-based consumer electronics company said a faulty wiring connecting the main body of the laptop and its display could cause overheating near a power plug or the rim of the screen, sometimes distorting the shape of the computer.

According to reports seven people have suffered light burns which were not serious.

Sony has urged the owners of the laptop computers, which span 280 models, to come to the manufacturer for free repairs.