Anger over Clarkson’s suicide jibe

TOP GEAR presenter Jeremy Clarkson was embroiled in further controversy yesterday after branding people who throw themselves under trains as “selfish”.

The 51-year-old broadcaster, who was forced to apologise last after saying all striking workers should be shot, reiterated his view that those who commit suicide at railway stations cause “immense” disruption for commuters.

In his column in the Sun newspaper, Clarkson said: “I have the deepest sympathy for anyone whose life is so mangled and messed up that they believe death’s icy embrace will be better. However, every year around 200 people decide that the best way to go is by hurling themselves in front of a speeding train.

“However, it is a very selfish way to go, because the disruption it causes is immense. And think what it’s like for the poor train driver who sees you lying on the line and can do absolutely nothing to avoid a collision.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, described the comments as “extraordinarily tasteless”, especially in the wake of the death of footballer Gary Speed.

“I think there will be many people who have lost loved ones to suicide and people who have contemplated suicide that will think it is in extremely bad taste,” he said.

Marjorie Wallace, of the mental health charity Sane, said: “We are absolutely appalled that Jeremy Clarkson should accuse people who throw themselves on railway lines of being ‘selfish’.

“He has obviously never experienced the agony of mind which drives people to such desperate acts.”