Pair 'planned suicide pact online'

TWO people who died after meeting on an online suicide forum planned their deaths by e-mail in a matter of hours, an inquest has heard.

Stephen Lumb, 35, from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, and Joanne Lee, 34, from Great Notley, Essex, were found dead in a parked car in September last year. Signs reading "Warning: poisonous gas" were found on the windows.

Det Insp Richard Thomas, of Essex Police, told an inquest in Chelmsford that the e-mails followed a posting by Miss Lee on the website.

The pair discussed in detail where they would meet and how they would take their lives.

A post-mortem examination showed they died of poisoning.

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Caroline Beasley- Murray said the deaths were "premeditated" and the pair were both "willing participants". She described websites like the one used as a "worrying trend".

Mrs Beasley-Murray said the deaths "occurred in the most tragic of circumstances" and both families had been left devastated.

She added: "In many ways the internet is a force for good. But the existence of websites such as those connected to these deaths can be just the opposite, and it is a very worrying trend.

"Clearly these two young people were much loved and I hope the families will be able to dwell on happy and positive memories."