Investigation Into Former Rugby Players Assisted Suicide

An investigation into the death of a paralysed rugby player at a Swiss assisted suicide clinic is underway.

West Mercia Police are questioning a man and women over the death of Daniel James, 23, from Worcester.

An inquest heard how the former England under 16s and England Students player had travelled to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland with the intention of killing himself. He died at the clinic on September 12.

Mr James was paralysed from the waist down in March 1997 after he suffered a collapsed spine in a scrum during a training exercise at Nuneaton Rugby Club.

Assisted suicides are illegal in the UK but legal in Switzerland as long as the person carries out the act themselves and the helper has no "direct interest", at Dignitas the patients expressed wish to die must be certified by a doctor.

An inquest into the former Mr James's death was opened and adjourned on September 19.

Detective Inspector Adrian Todd, of West Mercia Police, said: "A police investigation is ongoing and officers have spoken with a man and a woman in connection with the case.

"A report will later be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and an inquest into the death will take place in due course."

A Trust set up in Mr James's name after his accident has raised over £20,000 for spinal research.

(GK/JM)