TWO sisters were found unconscious in their bed after suffering suspected carbon monoxide poisoning early today.

Eight-year-old Raeesa Patel and 13-year-old Rehana were taken to hospital after they were overcome by fumes.

British Gas officials today launched an investigation into the incident after fears that a faulty gas fire was responsible. They urged householders to give all gas appliances an annual check.

Paramedics were alerted after the girls, who were sleeping in the same bed, were found unconscious at their home in Ribble Street, Blackburn, at 6.30am.

The sisters were given oxygen treatment at the scene to revive them before being taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where they were being treated by paediatric staff. An ambulance spokesman said: "The girls had suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. They were in a downstairs bedroom and were both in the same bed. They both responded well to oxygen treatment we gave them at the scene."

Firefighters evacuated the house and checked if the fumes had spread to neighbours' homes.

Station Officer David Bowers said: "It may have been a faulty gas appliance, but we are keeping an open mind."

"We isolated the gas supply and ventilated the house. Luckily the fumes did not spread to neighbouring properties."

Raeesa, a pupil at Brookhouse Primary School, and her sister, who attends Beardwood High, were "stable" in hospital today.

A British Gas spokesman said they were investigating the possibility that a faulty gas fire in the lounge was to blame.

He urged householders to get a CORGI-registered expert to check gas appliances, including central heating systems, once a year.

He added: "If people notice any signs of staining around a gas fire that is usually a sign that there could be something wrong."

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