Cops probe FIVE deaths linked to 'suicide kits' after student searched web before taking life

A young psychologist took her own life after searching online for a substance used in so-called “suicide kits” , the Mirror can reveal. Zara Afua Ampong-Appiah combed the internet looking for the lethal substance before she was found dead in her bed last year, an inquest heard . Scotland Yard detectives are now investigating at least FIVE deaths in the UK linked to an overseas "kit" seller. An inquest was told Ms Ampong-Appiah, 30, had a promising career ahead of her and was a postgraduate research student of the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London . However from February 2023 she struggled with her own mental health. She required time off work and needed medication for a combination of depression and anxiety, according to a statement from her GP. After her death in April [2025], police downloaded data from her digital devices and found repeated searches for a US-based pro-choice suicide website as well as a substance often used in so-called "suicide kits". Ms Ampong-Appiah's mother Elly Oppong, 66, said her daughter's death "broke her heart". Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, she said: “No parent wants to go through this. There was absolutely no warning, nothing. She had friends and a supportive family and not one of us saw this coming.” Ms Ampong-Appiah’s case is believed to be one of a number the Met Police are investigating in which lethal substances were brought online from abroad. A spokesperson for the force said “enquiries remain ongoing” in Ms Ampong-Appiah's case. But the kits have been linked to a number of other cases. Last year a post-mortem on Jane Louise Colechin, 44, revealed she died from the effects of the substance, according to an inquest. Her partner found her dead at her home in Forest Gate, Newham, on New Year ’s Day 2025. Ms Ampong-Appiah was described by her mother in a statement read at her inquest as a “very calm and likeable person” who “loved learning” and was “ambitious and loved her job.” She had been working as a talking therapist at Talk Changes, a free NHS service in East London for those aged 16 and over struggling with their mental health. But unbeknown to her family, she was also struggling with her own and in February 2023 had visited her doctor’s surgery, Kingsmead Healthcare in east London, where she had been a patient since birth. She said she was feeling anxious and depressed but denied wanting to harm herself or others or having suicidal thoughts, the inquest heard. Between then and June 2024 she was repeatedly signed off work and took several courses of the anti-depressant Citalopram. A statement read to East London Coroner’s Court by Det Sgt Tom Boow (CORR), of the Met Police, revealed that police were called out of concern for Ms Ampong-Appiah following intelligence that a substance may have been delivered to her address in Leytonstone, east London, from overseas. After officers broke into the property on April 10, 2025, officers discovered Ms Ampong-Appiah dead in bed with early signs of decomposition. Two keys were found inside the room, which was locked from the inside and two windows were also secured. No overseas purchases were found and there was no note left, the statement added. "No drugs or substances were apparent,” Det Sgt Boow said, adding that bins at the property were also searched. A notebook had been left open on a page with some scripture on it regarding death, he said. Digital forensic technician Connor Tkacziw (CORR) looked at Ms Ampong-Appiah’s electronic devices. He found 44 recent mentions of suicide, 19 relating to the substance which caused her death, 35 relating to a pro-suicide website, study notes relating to suicide as well as Google searches. Toxicology tests found Ms Ampong-Appiah had vastly elevated levels of two substances in her blood, one of which was 14,569 times the amount that should be found in a healthy person. Expert Amrita Ahluwalia said levels could be elevated in infectious diseases as well as from some food sources, but it was “unlikely”. “It’s not possible to exclude infection as a contributory cause but it’s unlikely that they would provide these extremely high levels,” she said. Pathologist Dr Ashraf Ibrahim recorded the cause of death as toxicity from two forms of a chemical. Ms Oppong, a retired cook, of Hackney, east London, said Ms Ampong-Appiah had not mentioned her poor mental health to family members. She queried whether GPs should be able to tell a mother or father if their child was struggling or prescribed anti-depressants, even if they are over 18. She said: “They say the person is over 18 so it’s private. If the person is going through mental health problems, a mother or father should know, maybe that would help? It would have been easier if I knew she was struggling, we could have supported her. The last year hasn’t been easy but family and church are supporting me.” Estimates suggest that hundreds of people in the UK may have died by ordering ‘suicide kits’ containing lethal substances from other countries. A growing number of UK deaths have also been linked to the same US pro-suicide website that Ms Ampong-Appiah visited. The website is currently blocked for UK users although some say they have found a way around the block. In the UK, under the Suicide Act 1961, it is illegal to assist or encourage someone to end their life. This includes ordering, supplying or importing ‘suicide kits’ or lethal substances into the UK from any other country. If this transaction happens online it is still considered illegal. The legality of specific substances depends on the substance. However in general purchasing substances that are intended for the purpose of self harm is a criminal offence in the UK. It comes as Canadian chef Kenneth Law prepares to face trial following allegations he supplied people around the world with lethal substances used to end their lives. He was arrested in 2023 for aiding suicide and was later charged with 14 counts of first degree murder. So far he has been linked to 131 suicides worldwide with 97 of those thought to be in the UK. Law is currently awaiting trial due to start this month. There is no suggestion he is linked to the Met’s ongoing investigation. As far back as 2021, Caroline Jones, Assistant Coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wrote a Report to Prevent Future Deaths following the case of James Nowshadi, 23, whose death on April 1, 2020, was linked to the substance. Ms Jones said there should be national guidance available for dealing with the deaths, adding: “In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.” Nadia Persaud, area coroner for East London, recorded a conclusion of suicide in Ms Ampong-Appiah’s case. She said: “Zara was found deceased at her home address and police attending found clear signs that life was extinct. The circumstances all suggest that Zara had taken a substance that had caused her death. “Analysis of her devices showed a number of searches relating to suicide and a post mortem investigation revealed toxicity (relating to the chemical). Therefore the conclusion is that she died as a result of suicide.” For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.