String of suicides prompts calls for young people to share problems

Seven people have now taken their lives in the area since 1 July, although there is nothing to indicate any of them knew each other and police are not treating them as connected.

Scott Inglis, 21, from the Lochee area of Dundee, was discovered by a dog walker in the grounds of Baldovan House on Monday morning.

His death follows that of Scott Nicholl, 22, who took his life at the same spot on 10 July. The body of 23-year-old Steven Loftus was found in the city's Finlathen Park the same day.

Anthony Riddell, 17, and Ragan Thomson, 18, were found dead in a wooded area off Kirk Street on 1 and 3 July. Iain Bell, 20, took his life at a house in the Maryfield area on 16 July and the body of 19-year-old Gemma Wighton was found at a property in Broughty Ferry on Friday.

Assistant Chief Constable Angela Wilson, of Tayside Police, said it was "extremely distressing" to see young people take their own lives.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "Talking can help someone understand the way they feel, find hope or solutions and offer huge emotional relief. We urge anyone feeling distressed or struggling to cope to share their problems rather than letting them spiral out of control.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding (Mr Inglis's] death and, as with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

A spokeswoman for the Samaritans added: "It is too early to say at this stage whether the deaths are linked in any way. However, we do know that there is a link between the reporting of suicide and the copycat effect.

"When a community is grieving and already dealing with suicide, there becomes this focus on it. When vulnerable people read about it in the media it can then lead them to imitate what's happened elsewhere.

"I would encourage anyone in distress to access support services and share their problem."