UK's first 'web suicide' inquest opens

The inquest into what could be Britain's first internet suicide was opened today.

Father-of-two Kevin Whitrick was found hanging at his home in Telford, Shropshire, after taking part in a "friendly insult" chat room last week.

His death was broadcast on the web and police were alerted by another online user who reported Mr Whitrick had self harmed.

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Telford coroner Michael Gwynne, opening the inquest, described the later broadcast of pictures of the 42-year-old's death around the internet as "abhorrent".

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Graves, from West Mercia Police, said the tragedy was believed to be the first internet suicide.

He added: "The police are conducting a full investigation and that will result in a report being submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service where certain decisions will be made on this case."

The cause of death was recorded as hanging and the hearing adjourned for ten weeks.