AN investigation was under way last night after a man was found dead and his son critically ill at their family business.

Police believe Peter Agar, 53, and his son Nicholas, 33, both of Beech Grove, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, may have been overcome by fumes from a portable generator as they carried out repairs in the loft of Porters Clothes shop, in Harrogate.

Officers found Mr Agar's body next to his unconscious son after they forced their way into the building in Oxford Street early yesterday.

Officers broke down the door of the shop at 7.50am after receiving a call from Nicholas Agar's wife, who was concerned that her husband had not returned home overnight.

Peter Agar was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination was due to be carried out last night.

Nicholas Agar, who owns the business, was rushed to Harrogate District Hospital for treatment. He was described as "very ill."

The police would be investigating in co-operation with the Health and Safety Executive, said a force spokesman.

"Early indications are that Mr Agar's death may be linked to the build-up of fumes from a portable generator," he said.

The leader of Harrogate Borough Council, Geoff Webber, said: "We are extremely sad to hear of this tragedy affecting such a well-known town centre business. Our sympathies go out to the family of Peter and Nicholas Agar.

"I understand the council's environmental health staff are now working with police, supported by the Health and Safety Executive, to find out what happened."

Police, fire and ambulance vehicles were at the scene yesterday morning and the street was cordoned off.

There was understood to be no evidence of fire and it is not yet known whether gas could be the cause of the tragedy.

l The Northern Echo has campaigned for new regulations on the control of gas appliances to reduce the threat posed by carbon monoxide fumes. Last year the Government promised to introduce new regulations governing rented accommodation.