10 suicides recorded in local area over festive period

Jan 13 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

THE Samaritans are urging people who may feel depressed following the festive period to seek advice after a spate of suicides in Lanarkshire.

During December police in Q Division, which includes Hamilton, Bothwell Larkhall, and Blantyre, attended seven suicides.

And, over the last week, cops in North Lanarkshire have attended the scenes of three further suicides.

On Thursday, January 6, Bellshill police received a call at 8.35am from a resident walking their dog who had found a woman hanging from a goal post at the football field near to Juniper Road, Viewpark.

The 41-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed the woman was from the Coatbridge area but had been staying with friends in Viewpark.

Then the following day, January 7, police were called to Liberty Road, in Bellshill, where a 17-year-boy was found hanging within a house.

The teenager, who stayed with his family, was rushed to hospital by paramedics but pronounced dead on arrival.

In a similar incident, emergency services were called to a house in Aberlour Place, Carfin, at 8.30pm on Sunday, January 9.

Neighbours there had found a 39-year-old woman hanging within the property.

There are no suspicious circumstances, and no one is being sought in connection with any of the deaths. Reports have been sent to the Procurator Fiscal and post mortems will take place.

Now support agencies are urging people who may be feeling depressed to seek help and advice.

Chief Inspector Angus McPhail, area commander at Bellshill Police Office, said: “All three deaths are particularly tragic and my sympathies go out to the respective family and friends of those concerned.

“It is quite unique to have three similar deaths over such a short time period.

“There is nothing suspicious surrounding the circumstances of any of the deaths and as is normal in these instances post-mortems take place to determine the exact course of death.

“Each death has been reported to the procurator fiscal.”

Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide

A Samaritans spokesperson said: “Following the tragic news about the recent deaths in the Bellshill area, we strongly urge anyone in distress or feeling suicidal to share their problems rather than letting them spiral out of control.

“Samaritans is here anytime day or night to offer support in complete confidence without judgement, by phone 01698 429411, email jo@samaritans.org or visit the Hamilton branch at 4 Selkirk Place, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, ML3 6RQ (call for details of opening hours).”

Alternatively, Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. Call them free on 0800 83 85 87.