Coroners

Coroners must inquire into deaths reported to them if the death was violent, unnatural, or sudden and of unknown cause, or if the person died in prison, police custody or similar circumstances.

A coroner normally has jurisdiction relating to a death only if the body is physically in their district. It doesn't matter where the death occurred, but where the body is now. The coroner may have to inquire into deaths that occurred abroad if the body is returned to England.

However, if a body is cremated abroad, there is no need to hold an inquest if only cremated remains are brought back. If someone dies in England but the body is to be taken abroad, the coroner must be informed so that an out of England certificate can be issued.