THE family of a woman suffering from what is believed to have been carbon monoxide poisoning have made the decision to turn off her life-support.

Colleen Ryan, 50, was found unconscious, slumped on a chair in her Ingol flat by her son last week.

The flat, in Clevedon Road, is owned by Preston City Council who are currently involved in the investigation of the case with the police and health and safety officers.

Paramedics took Mrs Ryan to Royal Preston Hospital on Thursday evening where she remained in a critical condition.

Mrs Ryan, who has only lived in the flat for a few months, underwent specialist oxygen treatment in an attempt to stabilise her.

DS Peter Yates of Preston police said: "I can confirm that after lengthy discussions with the hospital staff and Colleen Ryan's family it was agreed that treatment would be withdrawn at 2.25pm on Friday, December 13. Colleen was pronounced dead at 2.40pm."

Councillor Elaine Abbot, executive member for housing on Preston City Council, said: "Tenants' safety is our top priority and we regularly check and service gas appliances. In Mrs Ryan's home the gas fire was last serviced in March and checked again in September. We are working with the police and Health and Safety Executive who are investigating the incident."

The coronor has been informed.