Damascus textile factory switches production to gas masks

A textile factory in eastern Damascus has started producing gas masks in case of a repeat of a suspected chemical attack on the area which is thought to have killed hundreds.

Abu Ibrahim, who works at the plant in the town of Arbin in the Ghota area of the city, told ITV News they hoped what they were doing would save many lives.

"These are the gas masks for whenever anyone senses any chemicals," he explains.

"If it is a woman she can put it in her bag and it doesn't take up much space."

"We consulted doctors on this project. They told us that coal and sodium absorbs smells and diffuses harmful chemicals. So we took their advice, and it should help save lives."

"We saw lots of people using clothes or towels to protect themselves. So we thought there must be a better solution."

"This gives the individual a huge sense of strength. It won't be 100% protective but it can be 70% or 60% - which can help people get away from danger."

"At the moment we hope we can save 500 to 1,000 people, depending on how many we make."

"At the moment it is all funded by donations. We are hoping to get the project going for the locals, but, God willing, we will hope we can then make enough to cover the rest of the country."

"The masks are given out for free. The battalion funding this project are the ones distributing."

• Watch Middle East Correspondent Geraint Vincent's full report on ITV News at 6.30pm