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Revealed: ‘Mass suicide attempt’ at immigration centre after detainee death

Charity warns of “extreme distress” among detainees as documents reveal harrowing incident after Frank Ospina died

By Aaron Walawalkar
Revealed: ‘Mass suicide attempt’ at immigration centre after detainee death
Documents reveal a harrowing incident at a Heathrow immigration detention centre after the death of detainee Frank Ospina | Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images. Composition by James Battershill
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  • Trigger warning: Contains references to suicide and self-harm

An “attempted mass suicide” took place at the UK’s largest immigration removal centre (IRC) during a protest days after a detainee died, according to internal documents that charities say expose “extreme levels of distress” in detention.

The full horrors of the major incident at Harmondsworth IRC near Heathrow airport on 28 March are laid bare in papers released by the Home Office to Liberty Investigates and openDemocracy under Freedom of Information laws.

It comes as the UK's first public inquiry into alleged violent abuses in immigration detention prepares to publish its report, and the revelations will add to mounting pressure on the Home Office to halt plans to expand the detention estate.

If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed, the following organisations offer advice and support.

Samaritans

Available for anyone struggling to cope. They provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.

Phone: 116 123. Website: Samaritans

Shout

A 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help.

Text SHOUT to 85258. Website: Shout

Papyrus

Support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you're concerned about someone you know.

Phone: 0800 068 41 41. Website: Papyrus

Lifeline

Support to people suffering distress or despair in Northern Ireland, regardless of age or district.

Phone: 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day). Website: Lifeline

Community Advice & Listening Line

Emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.

Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text "help" to 81066. Website: Community Advice & Listening Line

Breathing Space

Confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, weekends 24 hours). A BSL service is also available via the website: Breathing Space

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.

Website: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Nightlines

Confidential, anonymous, non-judgemental support services run by students for students.

Website: Nightlines

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Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0