The suicide rate in Northern Ireland rose by 37 per cent in the last year, official figures revealed today.
The number of incidents registered jumped from 213 in 2005 to 291 in 2006. There were 64 females among those. These can include cases from earlier years which were only registered in 2006.
Some deaths which occurred after 2004 may not have been recorded by coroners yet. Incidents are particularly common among young men in north and west Belfast. Around 40 per cent of victims are men aged under 35.
Unemployment, association with others who committed suicide and shortcomings in support and mental health services have been blamed for the increase.
Campaigners said Northern Ireland had the worst rate in Europe and warned that numbers could rise again.
The statistics, which have been linked to better reporting, emerged after a report by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
A 24-hour helpline is being established as part of a new suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland.