A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the death of severely disabled Douglas Sinclair, from Jarrow, South Tyneside.

Mr Sinclair, 76, died last month after travelling to the Dignitas suicide clinic in Switzerland. It is understood that he suffered from multiple system atrophy.

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.”

A spokesperson for the ProLife Alliance said:

“Each successive case of assisted suicide that does not lead to a prosecution weakens the law in this country. We urge the police to investigate this case properly and ensure that the law is being properly upheld.”