Criminal probe opened into poisoning deaths in the North

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

Health and safety experts are helping police with their inquiries into the work of a gas shop owner involved in fitting appliances at more than 100 properties.

Two boys were found dead at an apartment overlooking the beach at Castlerock, Co Derry last week. A third survived the carbon monoxide fumes.

Dermot Breen, deputy chief executive of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said a robust and thorough criminal investigation was under way following the tragic deaths.

He added: “We owe it to them and their families to ensure that we do not say or do anything at this stage that may prejudice this ongoing investigation.

“We have deployed the necessary teams with technical knowledge to either assist with the investigation, or identify gas safety issues that require correction.” Police on Tuesday night searched the premises in Coleraine, Co Derry of George Brown, a gas shop owner, who is at the centre of the inquiry.

In the aftermath of the deaths of Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, both 18 from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, customers who had appliances fitted by his firm were warned to disconnect them. It later emerged that an appliance inside the apartment at Tunnel Brae Court where the boys were found dead was defective.

The health and safety executive has dealt with more than 500 emergency calls from worried customers since they announced a major alert after the tragedy on Tuesday of last week.

Meanwhile the Northern Ireland Finance minister Sammy Wilson said here should be no “kneejerk” reaction to the deaths and called for a considered approach to legislation which could make fitting carbon monoxide alarms in some houses compulsory.

He had talks earlier today with Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster.

Afterwards he said: “We don’t want to have a kneejerk reaction to what has been a great personal tragedy for these families and to introduce measures which are not effective and give a false sense of security to people.”

Carbon monoxide detectors are not compulsory in England and Wales.

Mr Wilson added: “We want to make sure that if we do decide to do something that it is effective and we achieve the objectives that we need.”

Mr Wilson and Ms Foster will examine if enforcing the installation of the potentially life-saving detectors in new builds, rented accommodation and businesses is feasible.

Other jurisdictions that considered the option did not proceed because of problems identifying an industry standard device.

Ms Foster said all equipment should be regularly checked. The Health and Safety executive was conducting an investigation but had been as open as possible with the public.

“I want to make sure everything is done that can possibly be done,” she added.