The number of people taking their own lives in Croydon has gone up by 60 per cent in one year.

Statistics for 2014, the most recent available, show 36 people from Croydon had their death registered as suicide- more than any other borough in London.

Kingston had the lowest suicide rate with just four people taking their life in the same period.

The number of registered suicides went up from 516 in 2013 to 552 in 2014.

Far more men than women killed themselves in London but the number of female suicides was on the rise according to the Office for National Statistics.

Female suicides increased by six per cent on the year before to 128.

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “These statistics show that Samaritans work is vital.

“Suicide is a society wide issue. Samaritans is always there for anyone struggling to cope, whatever they’re going through.

“Moving forward we would like to see more real-time reporting of suicide deaths.

“Such information would allow us, and others, to react in a timely manner to emerging trends in suicide and identify high risk groups quickly and respond to these trends as they happen to allow us to take action earlier, and change lives.”

  • The Mind charity promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Its helpline number is 03001 233 393.
  • To get in touch with the Samaritans day or night call 116 123 or text 07725 909 090 or email jo@samaritans.org.
  • Samaritans lend a confidential ear to those in distress.