A NHS worker and his “totally devoted” mother killed themselves at Beachy Head just days after he was arrested on suspicion of possessing child abuse pictures.

The bodies of Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Gosling, 81, and Christopher Gosling, 58, were found at the base of the renowned cliffs near Eastbourne on March 21.

Mr Gosling has been arrested two days before they died and was freed on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Sergeant David Tye, of Sussex Police, said that Mr Gosling had made "substantial admissions" during his interview with South Wales Police.

Mr Gosling's police bail notice was in his Vauxhall Vectra, which was found parked at the cliff-top.

Josephine Carroll, Mrs Gosling’s niece, told an inquest at Eastbourne yesterday the mother and son were very close.

She said Mr Gosling had been suffering personal problems and possibly depression.

Mr Gosling, an information change manager for NHS Wales, had sent in a hand-written resignation letter, which surprised his managers.

He was an only child, unmarried, had no children and was idolised by his mother.

Mrs Carroll said: "They were very happy living together. They were totally devoted to each other."

She added: “I could see Betty taking this course of action if she thought her son was likely to be punished.

"For her there was no life without Christopher or if he had been imprisoned there would be no life for her.

"It's very tragic."

Alan Craze, coroner for East Sussex, ruled the pair of Treharris Street, Cardiff committed suicide.

He said: "I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that Christopher took his own life.

"If that's the case I can have no doubt that his mother took her own life."

Anyone considering suicide can call the Samaritans for help and support 24 hours a day on 08457 909090.

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