Ipswich is the worst place in the East for householders keeping potentially dangerous gas boilers and appliances in their homes, according to new safety figures.

A staggering number of homes in Ipswich – almost 270 – have been found to be at risk from gas explosion or fires because of the unsafe equipment.

The Gas Safe Register found that almost 30% of homes had escaped what could have been deadly gas explosions, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning over the past four years.

Russell Kramer, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “Over the past three years there’s been 31 deaths and over 1,000 injuries that have resulted from gas related incidents nationally. However, listening to our engineers tell us about the situations they face on a daily basis and hearing just how many life-threatening incidents they prevent, it’s surprising there haven’t been more.

“It shows what a great job registered engineers do, but at the same time the public also has an important role in gas safety.”

Since 2010, 964 homes in Ipswich have been inspected. Norwich was the second-worst place in the East – with around a fifth of homes found to be at risk. The statistics have been published to coincide with Gas Safety Week – with 980 registered engineers working in the Ipswich area who are supporting the scheme.

Mr Kramer added: “An engineer can only help keep you safe if they are invited into your home to check your gas appliances. It’s therefore your responsibility to make sure you stay safe by regularly getting your appliances safety checked by a registered engineer.”

Last year Gas Safe Register launched an interactive gas map – www.staygassafe.co.uk – which tells people how safe or unsafe their area is simply by entering their post code. People can also sign up to a free gas safety check reminder service which will alert them when their gas appliances need inspecting.