Families call for pro-suicide forum linked to eight deaths in Greater Manchester to be taken down - Manchester Evening News

Bereaved families across the UK have urged authorities to take down a pro-suicide forum that has been linked to at least 133 deaths, including eight in Greater Manchester. The call comes after a report by the Molly Rose Foundation highlighted repeated government inaction despite numerous warnings. Since 2019, coroners have flagged concerns about this website, as well as others like it, to various government departments including the Home Office and Department of Health, but little has been done to curb its influence. The site promotes a poisonous substance used by many for suicide, with the true death toll suspected to be even higher than reported. The forum has been implicated in a cluster of deaths in areas such as Wigan, Bolton, and Salford. Among those who lost their lives were Kelly Walsh from Atherton, Salford University student Matthew O’Reilly, and Samuel Dickenson, a father of two from Leigh. During Ms. Walsh’s inquest, Detective Inspector Andrew Wright explained that the forum contains detailed posts advising on how to obtain and use the lethal chemical. The Molly Rose Foundation’s report pointed out several critical failings: the Home Office’s reluctance to tighten control over the poison, difficulties faced by UK Border Force in stopping its import, and Ofcom’s reliance on voluntary measures rather than stricter enforcement. Further shortcomings include repeated government disregard for coroners’ warnings, inconsistent police welfare checks, and delays in providing emergency responders with antidotes. Families like David Parfett, who lost his son Tom to the poison, have expressed deep frustration at the lack of accountability and continued availability of the substance online. David shared his own efforts to buy the poison online, demonstrating how easily it remains accessible even years after these tragic deaths. Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, condemned the state's failure to protect vulnerable people, criticizing Ofcom for allowing the forum to operate with minimal checks. He insisted that only a public inquiry could uncover the lessons needed to prevent further fatalities. The government responded by emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding users under the Online Safety Act, which mandates online platforms to block illegal suicide content and protect children from harmful material. The substance is monitored under the Poisons Act, requiring retailers to alert authorities if suspicious purchases occur. Assisting suicide remains illegal under the Suicide Act 1961. The forum, based in the US, came under Ofcom’s first investigation under the Online Safety Act starting April 2025. It responded by implementing a geo-block restricting access for UK users. However, this was undermined by a landing page message guiding UK visitors on bypassing the block. Ofcom confirmed the forum remains on its watchlist, with ongoing investigations to ensure compliance. While Ofcom cannot shut the site down outright, it can seek court orders to disrupt access within the UK. The situation underscores the delicate balance between regulating harmful content and the challenges posed by international websites. Families and advocates continue pressing for stronger government action, including a public inquiry and tighter regulations to prevent vulnerable individuals from being exposed to such dangerous online environments. The report and response highlight systemic gaps in policy, enforcement, and cross-agency coordination, which have collectively allowed this lethal forum to proliferate with devastating consequences.