Poisonous fumes from a chip pan fire killed a Co Antrim man as he slept, it emerged tonight.
Alan McGregor (20) was overcome soon after returning home to Bendooragh, near Ballymoney after a night out.
Paramedics tried in vain to resuscitate him after he was discovered by his sister this morning.
It is understood Mr McGregor put on a kitchen cooker before going into the living room. The pan then caught fire, giving off the deadly fumes.
Two smoke alarms are believed to have been fitted in the house on Drumvale Avenue, although neither sounded.
But the door leading upstairs was closed, protecting Mr McGregor's sister, mother and two young boys who were all in bed. They were unhurt but badly shaken.
North Antrim MLA Ian Paisley Jr said it was terrible tragedy. "It's very, very said for the entire family. This must have been so traumatic for those who survived and tried to save his life."
Mr Paisley added: "Two smoke alarms didn't work, which is a lesson for everyone. "Perhaps they might have made a difference in saving him (if they were working)."
Police confirmed they were not treating the fire as suspicious.