Police are attending one call a week to people on bridges contemplating suicide, councillors heard. 

Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Ball told Witney Town Council that on average his team attend one call each week relating to individuals on bridges.

He said they are working closely with mental health organisations to mitigate these potential suicide incidents.

Police said they are also working with the county highways department to make it difficult for pedestrians to get over a number of bridges across the A40.

READ MORE: Severe delays as reports of woman on bridge

There were two suicides of young people at Stanton Harcourt bridge last year.

An inquest into the death of Devon Wright, a roofer from Witney, ruled that the 22-year-old committed suicide after falling from Stanton Harcourt bridge on the A40 in March 2022.

Jessica Walker, 30, died after jumping from the same bridge in June 2022 after struggling with alcoholism and mental health issues.

The A40 bridge near Cogges also bears a plaque to Laurence George Miles, 21, who died at the spot in December, 2001.

A force spokesperson said: "We are working with partners, including Oxfordshire Highways and the West Oxfordshire Mental Health Forum, to deter and make it difficult for pedestrians to get over a number of bridges on the A40."

Contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123 for free or visit samaritans.org

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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