A shop owner overcome by fumes while renovating his loft was today in a stable condition in a Harrogate hospital following the incident in which his father died.

Police broke into Porters Clothes Shop after a call from the wife of the owner, Nicholas Agar. They discovered the body of her father-in-law, Peter Agar, 53.

Nicholas Agar, 33, who was conscious, was rushed to Harrogate District Hospital. Both men are from Beech Grove, Harrogate.

A build-up of fumes from a portable generator is thought to be to blame.

"The two men had been working overnight on renovations in the loft," said Inspector Chris Chelton from Harrogate Police.

He said that officers had received a phone call from Nicholas Agar's wife saying her husband had not returned home.

She had gone to the shop but there had been no response.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus entered the building and discovered the two men in the loft.

Harrogate Borough Council, which has responsibility for health and safety in retail premises, said its environmental health department was working with police to investigate the incident.

A spokesman said it was understood that the pair had been involved in renovation works to the premises.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, January 31, 2001