Samsung suspends sales of problematic Galaxy Note 7, tells users to switch off

South Korean smartphone maker Samsung's troubles continue as it has withdrawn global sales of its Galaxy Note 7 device after repeated issues with it catching fire.

Reports were rife on Monday that the firm would make the call to hold its sales after two major US carriers said they were halting transactions with new and replaced versions of the phone.

In a statement released on Monday, the company said that customers who have bought either the original Note 7 or the replacements given out after the worldwide recall should turn them off immediately and seek a refund.

A variety of incidents have plagued the Note 7 since its introduction to the market, and 2.5m were recalled last month after reports of exploding batteries.

However, the replacement phones were unable to shake off the battery issues as a Southwest airlines flight due to take off from Louisville had to be evacuated after a passenger's Note 7 caught fire.

"We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note 7," Samsung said in the statement.

"Because consumers' safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 while the investigation is taking place."

The electronics giant's falterings led to its largest one-day drop in its share price since the financial crisis, as it dropped 7.5% on Tuesday.