BIG DEMAND

Many householders have snapped up the detectors which can show if the deadly gas is present in your living room.

Carbon monoxide being produced from an appliance is one possibility being investigated as the reason for the deaths of teenagers Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran at Castlerock.

And as a result of the deaths many anxious residents in north Antrim have decided to get monitors fitted in their homes to detect any poisonous gases.

But many people have found it impossible to get their hands on the detectors as shelves have quickly been stripped of supplies and the message is for people to keep trying local shops for when new supplies arrive.

Others have been trying the internet for the detectors which can cost from 15 to 30.

Tesco in Ballymoney was sold out of detectors on Monday and they hoped to have new supplies in by Thursday and the devices were also sold out at hardware stores and electrical shops.

Walker's hardware store in Ballymoney sold out also and were trying to get a new order in and at McIntosh's in Bushmills it was a similar story where their stock was quickly snapped up but they were getting more in.

On Monday there still was a supply at PC Electrics in Ballycastle's Ann Street and on Monday afternoon Basil Knipe Electrics in Ballymoney received a supply of the electronic lifesavers.

Shop owner Paul Cochrane of PC Electrics said he still has carbon monoxide alarms on sale.

He said: "Over a year we would perhaps only sell 12 but the last couple of weeks since the Castlerock tragedy we have sold three or four dozen of them.

"I would like to pass on my sympathy to the families involved. Since this has happened we have had many enquiries about this equipment. People want to have peace of mind."

Basil Knipe said people have approached his store about the monitors and they are now available there.

The Health and Safety Executive in Northern Ireland recommends the use of carbon monoxide alarms.

Their website says: 'HSENI strongly recommends the use of CO alarms as one useful precaution to give advance warning of CO in property. Importantly, alarms should not be regarded as a replacement for regular maintenance and safety checks by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

'CO alarms cost from 15 and can be purchased in most hardware shops. Before purchasing a CO alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. CO alarms should be installed and maintained in line with the manufacturer's instructions.'

Meanwhile, it is understood a number of businesses in the Ballymoney area have had checks carried out in recent weeks following the Castlerock tragedy.