A MAN found dead near the Orwell Bridge this weekend was in his mid 20’s and from Ipswich, it emerged today.

The news comes as the Samaritans offer support following a spate of apparent suicides from the bridge.

In the past few weeks, there have been two tragic deaths as a result of people jumping from the bridge, while over the weekend another man seems to have taken his own life.

Police confirmed that a man’s body was found in a field off The Strand in Wherstead not far from the bridge on Saturday.

His body was spotted by a passer-by and a bicycle was later found abandoned on a hill.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

A spokesman for the Samaritans said anyone needing support could get in touch at any time and talk to a member of its team.

He said: “Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland.

“The service is available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Volunteers offer support by responding to phone calls, emails and letters. Alternatively people can drop in to a branch to have a face-to-face meeting.

“The service is offered by 17,000 trained volunteers and is entirely dependent on voluntary support. There are 201 branches of Samaritans in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

“Across the UK you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 for the price of a local call.”

The Ipswich branch of Samaritans is at 140 St Helen’s Street, while the Bury St Edmunds office is in Well Street and the Colchester branch is in Vineyard Street.

For more information about the Samaritans, how to volunteer, make a donation or just speak to someone, visit www.samaritans.org.