DOUGLAS Chapman MP has urged Fifers to protect their children against deadly carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

He’s supporting a new campaign after research suggested that nearly half of Scots do not have an alarm to detect the deadly gas in their home, and only one in three regularly test it.

The ‘silent killer’ claims the lives of around 50 people each year in the UK, and hospitalises around 4,000.

Mr Chapman said: “It’s a real worry that so many people are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning because they don’t have an alarm fitted.

“That’s why I am supporting calls from the 'Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!' campaign to ensure every homeowner and tenant in Fife is aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and has an alarm.”

Carbon monoxide has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill if you're exposed to high levels.

It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance – such as a boiler or cooker.

Lawrence Slade, campaign spokesperson, said: “This is a silent killer, you cannot see it, taste it or smell it.

“Protect yourself and your family by having an alarm fitted and testing it."