Holidaying teens killed by leaking fumes in flat

Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, both 18, were found dead in the flat in the town of Castlerock on the north coast of Northern Ireland after relatives raised the alarm.

They had travelled to the beachfront getaway from their homes in Newtownabbey, on the outskirts of Belfast, to relax and have fun before turning their minds to future plans when their exam grades were published.

A friend who was unconscious when emergency services broke into the flat on Tuesday in the Tunnel Brae Court complex was revived and was being treated at the Causeway hospital yesterday in nearby Coleraine.

It is believed all three had been overcome by carbon monoxide fumes.

The headmaster of the teenagers' school, Glengormley High, said they were role models for their fellow pupils.

"Both boys had displayed exceptional talents in their careers here," said principal Lex Hayes.

"Aaron and Neil were both prefects and acted as role models for younger pupils. They will be sadly missed by all who knew them in school."

The other seven apartments in the complex were evacuated after the incident and the building remained cordoned off yesterday as the police and officials from the Health and Safety Executive examined the scene and checked all the gas appliances.

Mr McFerran was a talented actor who was also an active member of the school choir. He had just completed his AS level exams after transferring to Glengormley from nearby Monkstown Community School after his GCSEs.

Mr Davidson attained some of the school's best ever marks in his GCSE exams two years ago and was planning to go to university.

Mr Hayes said counselling would be provided for all pupils in the school to help them overcome the grief.

Andy Conn, who teaches French at Monkstown Community School, said Mr McFerran's death had left the school "stunned".

"He was an all-round nice guy, he was really into his drama, he was in most school plays. He would have been up on the stage larger than life. The stage was his great talent," he said.

In the UK about 50 people die each year in their homes from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty warned of the deadly consequences of carbon monoxide.

"This tragedy necessitates a full and thorough investigation. Carbon monoxide is often considered a 'silent killer' — being odourless, colourless, tasteless — and as such we need to ensure that people protect themselves adequately."