Charge threat on web 'suicide'

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Mr Whitrick, from Wellington, was watched by about 100 people in an internet chatroom as he suggested he was going to harm himself.

Just minutes later they watched in horror as he apparently hanged himself.

Detectives leading the investigation said today they would be discussing Mr Whitrick's death with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The discussions with prosecutors follow claims that Paltalk chatroom users who were talking to Mr Whitrick and watched his death could be quizzed by police after they allegedly incited him to hang himself.

Other reports suggest that the people who are believed to have encouraged him to kill himself could face manslaughter charges.

Police refused to comment on this today but confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service would be involved.

Rachel Anstee, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: "Detectives are looking at all aspects of the inquiry and it is still very early days.

"The police have still got people to talk to in connection with Mr Whitrick's death and we have still got to sit down with the Crown Prosecution Service to discuss the incident."

Horrified chatroom members phoned 999 to tell police where Mr Whitrick lived.

Officers tried to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at his flat in Orleton Court on Wednesday.

Tributes have flooded in to both the Paltalk website, of which Mr Whitrick was believed to be a regular user, and the Shropshire Star website.

Detectives have also urged people to stop sending the image of Mr Whitrick hanging from the ceiling around the world and said the image, also printed in national newspapers, had left his young family "distraught".

An inquest is expected to be opened this week.

Anybody with any information is urged to contact detectives on 08457 444 888.

By Kirsty Marston