AN ELDERLY woman collapsed at her home after being overcome by gas fumes.

Fire crews were called to the house in Stanworth Avenue, Breightmet, at 11am yesterday after the woman, aged 85, was found unconscious by a carer. It is believed she had accidentally left the grill on overnight.

An ambulance was called after the woman was found in the living room, where she had fallen and injured her arm and wrist.

Lauren Paynter, who lives nearby, said: “I saw fire engines and thought at first it might have been a gas leak as I also saw someone from National Grid. I saw them opening the back windows to let the gas out of the house.

“I think it’s just awful. We’ve known her for some years and I just hope that she gets well soon. I feel really sorry for her.”

Another neighbour, Brenda Budworth, aged 65, said: “It sounds absolutely terrible. Elderly people should have someone checking on them regularly. It’s very sad.”

It is unclear how long the woman had been unconscious.

Watch manager Howard Denton, at Bolton central station, urged residents to be cautious while using gas cookers and grills.

He said: “It appears she accidentally left the gas on the grill overnight and was overcome by the fumes.

“She was conscious once we arrived although it was clear she had hurt her arm and wrist.

“We isolated the gas and an ambulance was called to treat her.

“It’s a reminder to other residents to always make sure their gas appliances are switched off after they’ve been used.

“This could have been a fatal incident so we urge everyone to be cautious when using their gas cookers and grills.”