Shrewsbury police called out three times in 24 hours to suicide threats near river
Police were called three times in less than 24 hours to reports of people threatening to commit suicide close to the River Severn in Shrewsbury.
On Saturday at 9.30pm officers were called to Welsh Bridge after members of the public called to say they had seen a man straddling the wall of the bridge and threatening to jump.
Officers attended, and he was left in the care of his family, with referrals being made to mental health services.
Just half an hour later a call came in via 111 from a woman saying she was feeling suicidal and was thinking about jumping into the river. Officers attended and located her, before referring her on to mental health services.
At 10am on Sunday, the emergency services received a report from a member of the public that a woman was sitting on the river bank in Sundorne and saying she was suicidal. Officers attended along with West Midlands Ambulance and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
Inspector Ed Hancox from West Mercia Police said: "We have carried out a significant amount of work in relation to river safety in the town alongside our Team Shrewsbury partners.
Samaritans
"This has been well documented and will continue, with river safety patrols being carried out over the Easter Weekend by West Mercia Search and Rescue, plus additional patrols from Shrewsbury Street Pastors who are also throw-line trained. Additional officers from West Mercia Police will also be on duty in the town centre.
"We also work closely with our mental health partners such as South Staffordshire and Shropshire Foundation Trust, Shrewsbury Samaritans and Shropshire Mind. This has led to Samaritans working with British Transport Police at Shrewsbury, Samaritans signage being placed on bridges in the town, and drop in sessions being available at Samaritans in Coleham at at Shropshire Mind in Abbey Foregate.
"We are also very fortunate to have Shropshire Sanctuary, which provides non-clinical support to people in crisis or experiencing distress. Staff have the ability to escalate to other agencies if distress or crisis worsens. In February, 45 individuals in distress were taken to Shropshire Sanctuary."
Andy MacAuley from West Mercia Search and Rescue said: "West Mercia Search and Rescue exists to help the emergency services search for missing people, and that includes those who have entered the river by choice. We encourage anyone who feels that they are at risk to speak to the Samaritans on 116 123, or at Coleham in Shrewsbury. And anyone contemplating killing themselves should call 111 or visit A&E at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital."
The Samaritans can also be contacted at samaritans.org
