Scientist's life 'made intolerable', says family

Dr David Kelly, the scientist at the centre of the row over the Government’s Iraq dossier, said his life had been made “intolerable”, his family revealed.

Dr Kelly’s wife Janice, and daughters Sian, 32, and twins Rachel and Ellen, 30, issued a statement through Thames Valley Police after it was revealed the defence official died after slashing one of his wrists.

The statement, read at Wantage police station in Oxfordshire by Acting Supt David Purnell, also said the family were “utterly devastated” by the loss and paid tribute to Dr Kelly’s “integrity, honour and dedication”.

In an apparent swipe at everyone involved in the row, the family said: “Events over recent weeks made David’s life intolerable and all of those involved should reflect long and hard on this fact.”

The statement said the family were “utterly devastated and heartbroken” by Dr Kelly’s death, adding: “We loved him very much and will miss his warmth, humour and humanity.

“Those who knew him will remember him for his devotion to his home, family and the community and countryside in which he lived.

“A loving, private and dignified man has been taken from us all.”

The statement ended by appealing for the family to be left to grieve in peace.

Dr Kelly, 59, was last seen by his family at 3pm on Thursday at his home in Southmoor, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, when he said he was going for a walk.

He was reported missing at 11.45pm and police issued a missing person’s appeal the next morning.

But at 9.20am on Friday his body was found in a wooded area on Harrowdown Hill, less than five miles from his house.

Police revealed yesterday that Dr Kelly had bled to death after slashing his left wrist with a “bladed object”.

A knife and an open packet of the prescription-only painkiller Co-Proxamol were found at the scene.

There is no indication any other parties were involved, police said.

A specialist police team searched the garden and a number of outbuildings at Dr Kelly’s home yesterday, as well as undergrowth on the path he took for his final walk.