THOUSANDS of people have backed calls to build a suicide prevention barrier on Southampton's Itchen Bridge.

It comes after a 59-year-old woman fell to her death from the bridge on Friday morning.

On Tuesday Hampshire coroner's office said an investigation was yet to be opened but they confirmed "the death of a female called Maguire has been reported to us. "

Friends paid tribute to Rosy Maguire, who it is understood was a photographer and technician at Southampton Solent University.

Posting on social media a friend said: "RIP Rosy Maguire, talented musician artist and teacher that you were, a woman who saw beauty and wonder in old peeling paint on the hulls of boats, now sadly missed."

Having studied at Winchester School of Art and after getting a first class degree in photography Ms Maguire had work exhibited in galleries across the UK and internationally.

She also managed, sang and played percussion with nine piece band Atlantico.

Just days after Ms Maguire's death police were called to the bridge after reports of concern for the welfare of a man on Monday evening.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said it "could be time" to reconsider a barrier while an online petition calling for a suicide prevention barrier has amassed more than 2,500 signatures.

Campaigners are calling for authorities to help "save not just one, but dozens of lives each year".

The petition says: "The suicide barrier will prevent the continuing devastation caused by suicide cases to family and friends.

"The revenue made from the tolls could also be used to fund the suicide barrier."

Last year, dockworker Ian Bellows was seen falling from the bridge, and died after he hit a car park below.

In November last year, police were called after a man was seen sitting on the edge of the bridge.

Now officers at Southampton City Council say they have put together a suicide prevention plan based on the national strategy.

A council spokesperson said: "Every suicide is an individual tragedy, impacting on friends, family, work colleagues and the local community.

"Southampton's Suicide Prevention Plan considers how each action contained in the National Strategy "Preventing Suicide In England" will be addressed locally. An engagement event was held in 2015 attended by over forty stakeholders. Feedback from this together with national and local evidence have helped shape the plan.

"We are focussed on actions that make it likely that someone will have a chance to access help in their moment of crisis. We are currently updating signage affixed to the bridge in partnership with Samaritans, to alert anyone in need to phone them."

Whatever you're going through, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.