Police concerned at high numbers
Police in Exeter say they are dealing with high numbers of people thought to be at risk of suicide.
Posting on social media on Friday, officers say that in just four shifts of one team, a team in Exeter, Mid and East Devon dealt with seven people who had gone missing and who were thought to be at high risk of killing themself.
They wrote that the majority of the people "were subsequently detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act when located. Dozens of police officers have dedicated tens of hours into finding them and then waiting in NHS premises for those detained to be assessed in order that they can get the treatment required.
"That is one patrol team. In one policing area. Over four nine-hour shifts.
"Replicate this over every geography in the country and you start to understand the scale of the problem."
Water CEO apologises for contamination
South Devon water bug could last a week
Devoncast - Mayoral mayhem, Bronze Age bounty and a river wrangle
Duo charged over girls death at Exeter nightclub
Radio Exe has largest-ever audience
Walkout, anger and tears mar Torbay mayor-making meeting
