CORGI has released its second report that highlights the areas and groups of people who are most at risk of gas-related carbon monoxide poisoning.

The report shows that between April 2007 and March 2008 there were 52 gas related carbon monoxide poisoning incidents resulting in 21 fatalities and 125 injuries.

Lack of an official, centralised incident reporting system and many cases going undiagnosed, means the overall figures in this report could be much higher.

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London, Yorkshire, The Midlands and Wales were the worst affected regions in the UK, reporting the most incidents per head of population.

CORGI's consumer research reveals that 91% of people have a smoke alarm installed but 65% of people do not have a carbon monoxide alarm. Shockingly, 3% of people do not even know what a carbon monoxide alarm is.

CORGI is warning consumers that carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by many factors such as blocked flues and chimneys, installation or appliance faults, owner error and even weather conditions.

The company said: "Counter measures recommended to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning include using a CORGI registered installer to annually service appliances and installing a carbon monoxide alarm."

(CD/JM)