Concern as website that allows people to search for 'suicide partners' is linked to hundreds of deaths Help is available: Call the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour support By Eve Simmons Health Editor For Mailonline Published: 10:03, 23 August 2024 | Updated: 10:06, 23 August 2024 e-mail View comments UK regulators have attempted to shut down a website that allows people to advertise themselves as 'suicide partners', and is thought to be involved in 130 British deaths. The website hosts a 'member's only' forums where users can search for someone to join them in the devastating act — with some travelling abroad to do so. There are also forums on the site where commentors offer instructions on how to die by suicide and encourage others to do the same.
One 28 year-old man from the Midlands took his own life alongside a woman he'd met on the website who lived in Scotland. Another woman who killed herself after using the forum was found dead 'lying next to a total stranger'. A BBC investigation has discovered more than 700 Brits have posted on the webpage, and more than 500 comments have been published by users across the world.
According to the Online Safety Act, all online content relating to promotion of suicide and self harm is illegal - and watchdog Ofcom must take steps to shut it down. Melanie Dawes, chief executive of online regulator Ofcom said the site had been contacted and informed that the content was 'illegal'. 'Initially they stopped it being available for UK use.