AN AGENCY conducting the investigation into the death of a mother who killed herself and her 11-year-old autistic son has vowed not to be rushed into publishing a report - despite being two months past its original deadline.

The County Durham Autistic Support Group, which had helped Consett woman Helen Rogan and her 11-year-old son Mark Owen Young, has asked for an explanation of the delay.

A spokesman for the Durham Area Child Protection Agency, which includes Social Services, acknowledged the report was taking longer than anticipated but said it would be thorough and meaningful when it was completed.

The bodies of Helen Rogan, 38, described as a dedicated and loving mother, and her son were found by Helen's brother-in-law at the foot of the Hownsgill Viaduct, or Gill Bridge, near Consett, last September.

An inquest heard that it appeared she had tried to drug both herself and her son and had cut both their wrists before jumping off the bridge in the dead of night.

A verdict of suicide and unlawful killing was recorded.

An investigation into the role of social, education, health and police into the mother and son's lives was expected to be completed in March. Its findings are expected to be made public.

A spokesman said: "The report examines in detail the involvement of every agency and organisation involved in both the care and education of Mark Owen Young and the support given to his mother from his birth.

"The preparation of the report, of necessity therefore, is both complex and time consuming."