Welsh town hit by another suicide

Jun 8 2008

A YOUNG man has been found dead in a suicide blackspot two months after a close friend killed himself.

At least 20 young people have taken their lives in Bridgend, South Wales since the beginning of last year.

And last night locals in the village of Bettws said the latest victim, Neil Owen, 26, had been good friends with Sean Rees, who died in April.

No details were released of how or when Neil died.

But Sean, 19, was found hanged in woodland in April after a night out with friends.

Bettws councillor Christopher Michaelides said: "He was friends with the one who died before. I think he was upset by the suicide.

"I was only told the news last night and of course I'm shocked. He was a lad from a very good family."

Idea Michaelides said of the apparent spate of suicides: "It seems the idea has been planted in lots of young people's minds and we've got to be careful how we handle this.

"There are lots of rumours flying around but we will have to wait until the coroner's verdict on these cases."

Neil had been living above a pub, where the upstairs curtains were drawn yesterday.

Landlord David Simons said: "The police have told me I'm not allowed to say anything."

Inspector Marion Stevenson, of South Wales Police, said: "The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed. "

She would not confirm if it was being treated as a suicide.