Two grieving families in Hertfordshire have warned other parents in the county after their children died by becoming entangled in blind cords.

Arthur Winfield from Markyate and Emily Warner from Royston, both two, have died in similar accidents over the past few months.

Their deaths have sparked a county-wide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of looped blind cords and chains.

Arthur’s father Oli said: "You always think your home is going to be a safe place, especially for your children.

"We are totally devastated at the loss of our precious boy and urge people to take heed of the safety messages being made available through this campaign."

According to statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents there have been at least 18 similar deaths in the UK since 1999, with most accidents taking place in the bedroom.

Emily’s father Jamie said: "We don’t want other families to suffer in the way we have. By taking some simple steps with your blinds you can protect your children.

"Our family has been broken - Emmie was the light of our lives, such a wonderful little girl."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents have created a Make it Safe pack, which can be requested at www.rospa.com/about/currentcampaigns/blindcords.

The free packs include a cleat to tie the cord around and safety information on how to reduce the risk of accidents.