AN unprecedented number of suicides in the past month are causing misery for Ipswich commuters, it was revealed today. Today, train operators admitted they were concerned about the rise in suicides, four of which have occurred on the line between Norwich and London Liverpool Street, but were powerless to do anything to prevent them.

AN unprecedented number of suicides in the past month are causing misery for Ipswich commuters, it was revealed today.

Today, train operators admitted they were concerned about the rise in suicides, four of which have occurred on the line between Norwich and London Liverpool Street, but were powerless to do anything to prevent them.

They have also told of the hidden trauma in such tragedies, suffered by the drivers of the trains involved.

The most recent incident occurred on Monday at Harold Wood, in Brentwood, Essex, disrupting journeys for hundreds of morning commuters.

Peter Meades, spokesman for train operator One, said: “These incidents are a personal tragedy for the people involved and their families, but it is also very traumatic for train drivers and the people from the emergency services who have to cope with it afterwards.

“After an incident drivers are taken off their shifts. They are offered counselling but individuals react differently. Some of them take up the offer of counselling but others prefer to get back to work as quickly as possible. There is no pressure from us because we realise it can be very traumatic.”

Mr Meades said the suicides had all taken place on the stretch of line between Colchester and London, which had caused considerable disruption on the lines both to and from Ipswich.