An urgent warning to users of mobile heaters which burn liquified petroleum has gone out from Brentwood-based fire chiefs.

They spoke out last week following six deaths nationally over the past six weeks, all of which have been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from lethal heaters which have not been serviced properly.

Spokesman, station officer Andrew Senior, said: ''New heaters and those which have been serviced regularly should operate safely, but your heater could be suspect if it has not been serviced, if it has cracked or flaking cement around the ceramic panels at the front, or the panels are damaged.

''Other signs to look out for are if the panels do not glow red when the fire has warmed up, or they lose their colour, of if the heater makes purring or spluttering noises when it is warmed up.

''If you suspect you or anyone else is suffering from the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as tiredness, drowsiness, headache, chest pains or stomach pains, and you have been using a gas appliance, you should see your doctor.

''Where these symptoms affect more than one person in the home, or where they improve when away from home but recur upon return, carbon monoxide poisoning may be the reason.''

If you need further advice, call the HSE Case safety Advice Line free on 0800 300 363

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