Latest Dundee suicide prompts call for urgent review

DUNDEE’S deputy provost has called for an urgent review into how the city’s key organisations support people considering suicide.

Councillor Ian Borthwick made the call after Iain Bell, 20, was found dead at his home in Corbie Wood early on Friday. He is the fifth young man from Dundee to commit suicide this month.

Mr Borthwick said a meeting was “vital” to ensure anyone considering suicide gets the appropriate care.

He said: “It’s vital that we have a review of what is in place with voluntary organisations, the social work department, police and health service. It’s a necessity that we have this discussion to decide on any action that is required.

“I know that the lord provost has called for a look at this as well.”

Mr Borthwick added financial support must be offered to support groups and charities to ensure that people can receive advice and support.

He said: “While these families need the support of their friends and family, the organisations that are in a position to help must receive the support from statutory bodies to enable them to do so.”

Mr Bell’s parents said on Friday they tried in vain to persuade the health board to help their son, who made two previous attempts on his life. His father Martin, 47, said he tried to get him admitted to the Carseview Centre at Ninewells but doctors had dismissed his concerns about son’s state of mind.

Mr Bell’s family believe the suicides of four other young men this month may have been a factor in his death.

The previous weekend, the body of Scott Nichol, 22, was found on the outskirts of Dundee.

Hours previously, Steven Loftus, 23, was found in the city’s Finlathen Park.

Lochee teenagers Anthony Riddell, 17, and Ragan Thomson, 18, also committed suicide earlier the month.

Mr Borthwick added last night: “There is genuinely a very deep concern on the part of anyone I’ve spoken to about these deaths.”