Firefighters are urging people to ensure they have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes after the potentially deadly gas was detected at a property in Carlisle.

The crew from Carlisle East Fire Station was called to a house in Almery Drive, Currock, at about 9am yesterday, where a detector had activated.

They used their equipment to run a test and found the leak was due to a problem with the gas fittings. The gas operator was called.

Watch manager Paul Dean said this highlights the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors. He said: "Especially at this time of year, more people use their heating and light their fires, carbon monoxide detectors are essential.

"Carbon monoxide can knock you unconscious and unfortunately you can die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

"You can't smell it and you can't see it. It's not detectable unless you have detecting equipment."

Gas fires, boilers and water heaters are possible sources of CO gas as well as open fires which burn coal and wood.