Fire flat alarm in pieces

The inquiry is at Glasgow Sheriff Court

A fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of two students in a fire in Glasgow has heard that a dismantled smoke alarm was found in their flat.

James Fraser and Daniel Heron, both 20, died in the fire just days after they moved into the rented flat in February last year.

Witnesses at the inquiry said exits were blocked and electrical wiring had been left exposed.

The landlord, Harry Singh, is due to give evidence to the hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The body of Mr Fraser, from Balmaha, Stirlingshire, was found in the kitchen.

The smoke alarm had been dismantled

Mr Heron, from Kippen, also Stirlingshire, was found lying a few feet from a window in the back bedroom.

A third student, Christopher Lewis, escaped death because he decided to sleep in the adjoining living room.

Fire officer Mark Stockton told the inquiry: "The smoke alarm was not fixed properly to a wall or ceiling. It was not in working order.

"It had no batteries. It was dismantled."

He also revealed that an oxygen cylinder used for welding was found in the flat. The staircase was blocked by rubble lying around.

"The cylinder could have ruptured or exploded if exposed to fire.

'Shared' electricity

" I also believe the cause of the fire to be accidental."

Mr Lewis told the hearing that he came round being carried from the flat in Melrose Street by firefighters at about 0400 GMT.

He said that when he moved in, he found electrical wiring across the flat's ceiling and scaffolding stored in cupboards.

He also told the inquiry Mr Singh said they would be sharing the electricity supply with their neighbours.

He said: "We moved in because flats round there cost anywhere between £170 and £200. It was cheap.

"We were going to see Mr Singh about the electricity. We were worried about how it would all work."

The inquiry had to be called off last May when Mr Singh failed to appear.