FIREFIGHTERS in Oxfordshire were called to deal with more suicide attempts last year, figures show.

Mental health charity Mind said the effects of dealing with such traumatic situations could be 'severe and long-lasting' for crews involved.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service went to 18 suicides or attempted suicides in the 12 months to September last year, Home Office statistics reveal.

This was an increase of four on the year before.

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Across England, fire and rescue services responded to a record 1,969 suicides – the sixth successive yearly increase nationwide.

These are part of a growing number of 'collaborating incidents' that fire stations have to respond to alongside other emergency services, since the Policing and Crime Act became law in 2017.

In the 12-month period to September 2016, Oxfordshire firefighters also responded to 18 suicide callouts.

The most recent figures show crews dealt with a total of 441 'collaborating incidents' in Oxfordshire in the year to September 2019 – almost double the equivalent period in 2016.

Almost all fire services across England have seen an increase in situations where they must work alongside the police and ambulance services.

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Nationwide, fire crews recorded 43,796 of those incidents last year – a 47 per cent rise since the Policing and Crime Act came into effect.

A spokeswoman for the National Fire Chiefs Council said the duty to collaborate means emergency services can decide the best way to work together for the benefit of their own communities.

She said: "These statistics show the broad range of incidents firefighters attend on a daily basis and the vital work they undertake. It is vital that the right support mechanisms are readily available and accessible as required.”

A Home Office spokesman said they are grateful for the continued tireless efforts of firefighters across the country.