A ‘BLITZ’ spirit that forms following tragic events such as terrorist attacks can lower the suicide rate, according to a Warrington phsychiatrist.

Dr Emad Salib, a consultant psychiatrist at the 5 Boroughs Partnership Trust, found a small but significant reduction in daily suicide rates following the London bombs on July 7, 2005.

Working with Dr Mario Cortina-Borja from University College, London, the pair published their findings in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

They also discovered a second reduction following the July 21 attempts on London.

On both days, the reduction in the number of suicides stood at 40 per cent; similar to the rate following the 9/11 attacks on America.

Dr Salib, who is also an honorary senior lecturer at Liverpool University, said: “I believe that suicide terrorism may be actually losing its ‘shock value’.

“So these vulnerable misguided young men who are radicalised by ignorant preachers of hate are simply as human bombs, dying and killing in vain seeking a bizarre, imaginary delusional martyrdom”.

He and Dr Cortina-Borja had thought the attacks in England would have prompted an even sharper fall in suicide rates because they were on British soil.

But the Government’s efforts in preparing people for an attack, past bombings such as those by the IRA and more controlled media coverage all reduced the emotional impact of the terrorist attacks, said Dr Salib.

“Any tragedy on a national scale such as a natural disaster, war or bombing, tends to bring people together in a greater social cohesion,” said Dr Salib.

“Traumatic national events such as these help potentially suicidal people to feel less isolated and more part of society.”

The present credit crunch may have a similar impact on suicide rates, he said.

“Interestingly, Gordon Brown has already referred to the need for ‘Blitz spirit’ facing the current economic downturn.”