Death leap in daylight

Nigel Kemp, 44, plunged off Station Road car park, Orpington, onto the pavement below in Earl's Way, at around 10am on May 12.

Police cordoned off the area and an air ambulance arrived, but Mr Kemp, of Oxhawth Crescent, Orpington, was declared dead at the scene from severe head injuries.

His body, covered in a blanket, lay on the street for up to five hours in view of workers in nearby shops and offices.

The car park has seen several suicides in recent years and ward councillor, Liberal Democrat Jennifer Powell, says something should be done to make it safer.

She said: "It's very sad for the family and I extend my sympathies to them. It is also very harrowing for all the people, like passers-by and the emergency services, who have to deal with the aftermath.

"Perhaps it is time to put something in place to make sure desperate people can't get onto the roof of the car park."

The offices of Bromley Samaritans are in Station Road, yards from where Mr Kemp, a married man, fell.

The charity suggested putting a sign with its phone number up at the car park to dissuade potential jumpers last year.

A spokesman said: "We are there 24 hours a day for people in emotional distress or who are even at risk of committing suicide.

"We would encourage people to phone or email us or even drop into our branch in Station Road."

A spokesman for Bromley police told News Shopper Mr Kemp's death was being treated as suicide.

An inquest was opened and adjourned on May 13.

A spokesman for Bromley Council said: "The car park is safe and conforms to various safety guidelines. We have previously altered the walls and placed safety warnings at strategic points.

"It's difficult, if not impossible, to stop someone who is determined to jump. We need to try and help people who are contemplating this kind of action and we are looking at what we can put in place to achieve this."

To contact the Samaritans, email jo@samaritans.org or call 08457 909090.