Skype Suicide
Sergey Kirilov took his own life as spectators watched on Skype.

Police in Russia are investigating a shocking Skype suicide after a young man hanged himself while online spectators urged him on.

Victim Sergey Kirilov, 26, from Moscow, had announced his plans to take his own life on a social networking site and asked anyone who wanted to see it to link to him on Skype.

Police reported that instead of trying to stop him, many of the spectators encouraged him, telling him a 'real man' would have killed himself more quickly.

They watched the scene as he prepared to hang himself. One even said: "Come on, are you ready yet? Go on - do it."

And another urged: 'If a man says he's going to do something, he needs to do it.'

Only one person made any attempt to stop him.

Moscow police are tracing all the people who watched Mr Kirilov's suicide through their internet service providers.

Spokesman Leonti Zubarev said: "It is beyond belief that people could watch this as a form of entertainment. We will be investigating everyone who watched this incident, especially those who urged him to carry it out who may be guilty of negligent homicide."

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch.