Police investigate suicide link to social network site

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 23, 2008, 9:52 GMT

Welsh police are examining a link between seven suicides in the same town and the social networking site Bebo. EPA/NESTOR BACHMANN

(M&C) - Welsh police are examining a link between seven suicides in the same town and the social networking site Bebo.

Seventeen-year-old Natasha Randall was the latest suicide when she was found hanged in her bedroom in Blaengarw, Bridgend.

The Press Association reports that South Wales police are investigating the contents of the girl's computer. Miss Randall was a member of Bebo.

Supt Tim Jones, divisional commander of police at Bridgend, said in a statement that communication methods between friends was being investigated.

"It is important to stress that at this time we have not established any direct links between [this] death and a 15-year-old girl attempting to harm herself in Pontycymmer on Friday. 
  
 "However they were known to each other as you would expect in small neighbouring communities," he said.

"One line of inquiry within the investigation is the examination of the computer of the 17-year-old girl which is currently ongoing. Clearly communication between friends and associates is an important consideration," he said.

"There is a growing trend for young people to communicate through telephone text messaging and also over the internet whether it's e-mail or within chat room forums."

Last year Bridgend coroner Philip Walters said he was "desperately concerned" about the number of suicide deaths in the area. Seven young people have been known to have committed suicide in the area in the last year.