A desperate mum frantically pleaded with a man not to take his own life minutes after he tweeted "time to die", an inquest has heard.

Martin Lorimer, of St John's Road, Sevenoaks, died after falling onto the A21 on December 7 and worried social media users desperately tried to contact him.

Just minutes before his death the Newcastle born care worker tweeted: "Once a Geordie always a Geordie! Time to die."

An inquest at County Hall in Maidstone heard how at around 4pm one mum on her way to pick up her son pulled over on the bridge when she spotted Mr Lorimer. She ran towards him and shouted "please stop, no, stop".

Coroner Alan Blunsdon added how Mr Lorimer then calmly looked at her but tragically fell.

The ambulance service and police were called and arrived within minutes, but the Gateshead born father was pronounced dead at 5.40pm.

His cause of death was given as multiple severe injuries which were described in a post mortem report as "catastrophic and non-survivable".

'At least now he is at peace...'

The court heard how Mr Lorimer, 54, had a history of mental health issues and had previously made attempts to take his own life.

His first wife and mother of his child, Ellie, took her life in 2007.

Speaking about her "gentle giant" brother Hayley Lorimer said: "Martin left me a note before he took his life, asking for forgiveness, but saying he just couldn't bear the pain.

"He said he was broken. I think he believed in that moment that it was the only way to get out of the very dark place he was in. At least now he is at peace."

Signs with the Samaritans number have been added to the bridge and Highways England confirmed works are underway to make it safer.

A spokesman said "Safety is our top priority and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Lorimer family.

"We are currently working on designs to make changes to the bridge and we hope to have these in place next year."

Following Mr Lorimer's tweet thousands of people attempted to make contact with him to check on his welfare, including Newcastle United Football Club and its club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

After hearing of the 54-year-old's death the club tweeted: "We're absolutely devastated. If you're reading this and are struggling, please reach out to somebody. You are never alone. Rest in peace, Martin."

Hayley added: "We really appreciated the concern and care showed by members of the Newcastle team and supporters, that really meant a lot, and especially to see Martin's face on the screen and the tribute to him, that was just amazing."

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123.

If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.

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