Toshiba has recalled 10,000 Sony laptop batteries after warnings that they pose a potential fire risk. 

The recall follows three separate fires involving Toshiba laptop PCs in the past 10 months, two in Japan and one in Australia.

The laptops contained Sony batteries created on 3 December 2005. Toshiba is recalling all 10,000 units made at that time, despite the understanding that only 5,100 units are actually at risk.

Toshiba said that no one was hurt in the incidents, which occurred between September 2006 and June 2007.

Last year Sony recalled 9.6 million batteries after fears that they could catch fire, costing the company a quarter of its yearly profits. 

A spokesman for Sony said that the financial implications of such a limited recall would be far less this time.