Maurice W wrote:

The blue/n wire was quite charred, but no clear reason as to why -
certainly the bare copper wire wasn't in contact with anything.

A loose or dirty connection somewhere.

And will a trimming of the cable and rewiring to the plug, with a new
fuse?

The only totally sure and safe option is to cut the cable back and wire
to a new plug. Also replace the socket and check the state of the fixed
wiring to that as well. Cut that back (and crimp on extensions if
required) as well if the fixed wiring insulation is damaged.

--
Cheers,

John.

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