Warning over changes to suicide law

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Barbara Wilding, chief constable of South Wales Police, said: "From a policing perspective we need to be very careful on this to make sure it does not become a way of getting rid of a burden. I will be watching any change in legislation very carefully."

Her comments come as the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, is working on policy to clarify whether people should be prosecuted for aiding a suicide following a landmark ruling by the Law Lords.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy, 46, from Bradford, brought a case against the head of the Crown Prosecution Service to make it clear if her husband would be charged should he help her commit suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Zurich.

It has been reported that Mr Starmer's guidelines would apply to people who helped loved ones die in Britain as well as those who travelled abroad.

Miss Wilding, 59, who retires in December after a 42-year police career, also said fighting abuse of the elderly - which often takes place in the family home - was a huge task.

She said abuse could "range from the violent through to the psychological - not providing the medical care at the right time, not looking after people to their needs and not recognising that they are valuable members of society".