Woman 'poisoned by gas' in flat

Gas appliances at the flat "were inspected"

A woman from Lancashire is on a life support machine in hospital after suffering what is believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

An investigation involving the police and the Health and Safety Executive was being carried out after Colleen Ryan was found unconscious.

Mrs Ryan, 50, was found by her son at her flat in Ingol, Preston.

The flat is owned by Preston City Council, which is also involved in the investigation in to the case.

'Regular checks'

Mrs Ryan was found slumped in a chair at the Clevedon Road flat last week.

Paramedics were called and Mrs Ryan was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital, where she is said to be in a critical condition.

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

A spokesman for Preston city council, who owns the property, said regular checks on gas appliances are carried out by the council and Mrs Ryan's flat was checked in September.