The gas probe into the deaths of two teenagers poisoned by leaking fumes in the North is a criminal investigation, it was revealed today.

Two restaurants in the North were ordered to close tonight by health officials inspecting gas appliances around the area where two teenage friends died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Health and safety experts in the North tonight issued a major alert after confirming that a defective appliance had been found at a seaside apartment where two teenage boys were killed by leaking gas fumes.

LEAKING gas fumes poisoned two school friends in a seaside apartment as they enjoyed a holiday ahead of exam results.