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Loop cord deaths 'under-reported' Loop cord deaths 'under-reported'
(about 10 hours later)
The parents of a toddler who died after being strangled by a window blind cord have said there could be many more similar deaths going unreported.The parents of a toddler who died after being strangled by a window blind cord have said there could be many more similar deaths going unreported.
Angus and Katie McLaughlin want to hear from anyone who has suffered a similar incident involving blinds.Angus and Katie McLaughlin want to hear from anyone who has suffered a similar incident involving blinds.
Their campaign comes after their two-year-old daughter Muireann was accidently hanged at their home in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, last year.Their campaign comes after their two-year-old daughter Muireann was accidently hanged at their home in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, last year.
The couple are calling for a ban on looped blind cords.The couple are calling for a ban on looped blind cords.
A fatal accident inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Muireann's death found there was a widespread lack of awareness about the dangers posed by the cords.A fatal accident inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Muireann's death found there was a widespread lack of awareness about the dangers posed by the cords.
In his findings following the inquiry, Sheriff David Mackie called for a ban on the style of window blind and a publicity campaign to inform consumers of the risks.In his findings following the inquiry, Sheriff David Mackie called for a ban on the style of window blind and a publicity campaign to inform consumers of the risks.
Muireann died on 5 February, 2008, after climbing onto a toy box to wave goodbye to her grandmother from an upstairs window.Muireann died on 5 February, 2008, after climbing onto a toy box to wave goodbye to her grandmother from an upstairs window.
Muireann's parents want a ban on blind cords to prevent other deathsMuireann's parents want a ban on blind cords to prevent other deaths
She tripped and banged her head on the ledge, causing her neck to become tangled in the cord.She tripped and banged her head on the ledge, causing her neck to become tangled in the cord.
Evidence from the inquiry suggested she may have died in as little as 20 seconds.Evidence from the inquiry suggested she may have died in as little as 20 seconds.
Mr McLaughlin said it was almost impossible to know exactly how many people had died as a result of being hanged by the cords because of the way such deaths were recorded.Mr McLaughlin said it was almost impossible to know exactly how many people had died as a result of being hanged by the cords because of the way such deaths were recorded.
Current figures suggest that between one and two children die a year in the UK after being caught in the cords.Current figures suggest that between one and two children die a year in the UK after being caught in the cords.
He said: "As things stand, these deaths are reported in an obscure way as asphyxiation. There is no mention of strangulation by loop cord so it is incredibly difficult to know exactly how many people are truly affected.He said: "As things stand, these deaths are reported in an obscure way as asphyxiation. There is no mention of strangulation by loop cord so it is incredibly difficult to know exactly how many people are truly affected.
"It is an issue that does not just cause the death of children but could also affect the elderly or those with dementia."It is an issue that does not just cause the death of children but could also affect the elderly or those with dementia.
"In America, a similar campaign found that there was a child dying after being strangled by a loop cord every fortnight.""In America, a similar campaign found that there was a child dying after being strangled by a loop cord every fortnight."
Mr McLaughlin and his wife hope to collate enough evidence about the dangers posed by the cords to force manufacturers to redesign the product.Mr McLaughlin and his wife hope to collate enough evidence about the dangers posed by the cords to force manufacturers to redesign the product.
The pair are due to appear on the BBC's One Show and This Morning with Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield in a bid to raise awareness about the issue.The pair are due to appear on the BBC's One Show and This Morning with Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield in a bid to raise awareness about the issue.
Have you been affected by a similar incident involving blinds?Have you been affected by a similar incident involving blinds?
Please let us know about your experiences.Please let us know about your experiences.
Send us an email to newsonlinescotland@bbc.co.uk with the words "Blind cord incidents" in the subject line.Send us an email to newsonlinescotland@bbc.co.uk with the words "Blind cord incidents" in the subject line.