iPhone maker contrite after worker's suicide

A Shenzhen-based manufacturer that produces the wildly successful iPhone for Apple has promised to treat its workers better after the suicide of a 25-year-old engineer over the mysterious disappearance of a prototype of the device.

Sun Danyong reportedly jumped from a 12th-floor balcony of his apartment building in Shenzhen last Thursday after he was suspected of stealing the prototype. In an online chat with a former classmate three hours before his death, Sun said the investigation over the missing iPhone was 'one of the most humiliating experiences' of his life.

The death has prompted speculation that Sun was detained, interrogated and beaten by Foxconn, which is the biggest supplier of components to companies including Nokia, Sony and Apple. Foxconn is a unit of Taiwanese giant Hon Hai.

Foxconn said in a statement: 'The company has noticed there has been much discussion on the internet. We welcome public discussion on how to help Foxconn's management where it is lacking. We will scrutinise those places ... and strengthen our assistance to young employees.'

The head of the security department has been suspended pending a police investigation. Police said they would not release details.

A senior communications official said police had been handed surveillance footage that would prove officials had not beaten Sun.