CORNWALL Fire and Rescue Service have warned of the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in the home after two adults and two children were taken to hospital after being effected by the gas.

Firefighters were called to a home in Trevingey Close, Redruth at 9.50pm last night. One appliance from Tolvaddon was mobilised and on arrival the crew checked the premises with a carbon monoxide detector and there were zero readings at that time.

however, when the crew extinguished a coal fire and inspected the chimney they found a large bird's nest blocking the flue, which was cleared using chimney rods.

Ambulance crews were called and took the two adults and two children to hospital for observation on the effects of carbon monoxide as the they had been subjected to it earlier before ventilating the property.

The family were made aware of carbon monoxide due to a working carbon monoxide detector.

A spokesman said: "This incident once again stresses the importance of having a detector within your property and also ensuring that you regularly have your chimney swept."