POLICE and safety experts are warning about the dangers of portable gas fires after a man died from poisonous fumes .

George Berry, 50, was found dead by his landlord in his Church Terrace flat in Darwen.

A post mortem examination at Blackburn Royal Infirmary established the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Health and safety officials visited the premises and found the deceased had been using a portable butane gas fire without proper ventilation in the room.

Principal Inspector of the Health and Safety Executive, Roger Kendrick, said: "This is a very tragic case apparently involving a cabinet heater. Such fires have strict operating instructions and it is essential they are used only with appropriate ventilation of the room and in accordance with manufacturers' instructions."

Inspector Harry Bretherton of Darwen Police said: "It is particularly important - especially while the weather is as cold as it has been recently - that people are very careful and do not put themselves in danger by using gas fires without adequate ventilation of the room."

The coroner has been informed of the death and an inquest will be held.

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