02/09/2010

Two Arrested In Assisted Suicide Case

Two people have been arrested in South Tyneside on suspicion of assisting the suicide of a disabled man who travelled to Switzerland to die.

Retired engineer Douglas Sinclair, 76, had been suffering from the degenerative neurological disorder multiple system atrophy and was living in a care home in Jarrow.

The father-of-one travelled to the Dignitas Clinic in Zurich, where he died on July 28.

A statement issued by Northumbria police said: "A 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man from South Shields have been arrested on suspicion of intentionally doing an act to assist or encourage suicide following the death of a 76-year-old man in Switzerland.

"Both have been bailed pending further inquiries."

(KMcA/GK)

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