Gas death was second family loss

THE family of a woman who died following a suspected gas leak at her Ratho home had suffered an earlier tragedy with the loss of her daughter.

Despite paramedics' efforts to revive her, Pauline Childs, 61, died yesterday at her North Street home from what is believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

Her husband John, a former janitor at Ratho Primary School, is being treated at St John's Hospital in Livingston.

Mr Childs had called 999 just before 10am telling operators his wife was having difficulty breathing and he was coughing up blood. Ambulance crews rushed to the scene but were unable to save her.

The gas supply to neighbouring houses was temporarily shut off. It is understood that a faulty appliance rather than an external leak may have been to blame.

Jade Childs, the couple's daughter, is believed to have died about five years ago, reportedly from a lung condition aged just 22.

Her two brothers, one of whom arrived at his mother's home shortly after the incident, have been named locally as Ray and John Childs.

Leonard Dowling, 77, a retired factory worker who lives opposite, said he watched as one of the sons broke down outside the family home. "I saw the man being taken out by the paramedics but later on I saw her son walking up the street.

"I realised there was something very wrong because he put his hands on the fence outside, lent over and started crying."

He described the tragic scene of yesterday morning as seen from his window.

"There were about 16 emergency vehicles in the street."

It is thought one of the Childs' sons is travelling in Fiji.

Claire McCready, 37, who lives two doors along, said she knew Mrs Childs well.

She said: "I'm gutted. They are good neighbours and well-liked. At the minute I am in shock. This will affect the whole village."

Residents said North Street was closed for about two hours while Scottish Gas workers investigated the suspected leak.

A spokesman for Scotland Gas Networks said: "We are satisfied there is no problem with the gas to this street or any properties."

An ambulance service spokeswoman said:

"As we asked more questions it became apparent it was possibly a carbon monoxide poisoning.

That's not yet confirmed but that's what we've treated it as."

The Health and Safety Executive said it was investigating.