The coroner's main duty is to enquire into deaths occurring in certain circumstances in his jurisdiction, although not necessarily deaths from violent causes. There must be reasonable cause to suspect that the death was a violent or unnatural death; or a sudden death the cause of which is unknown.

In the majority of cases a post mortem examination shows the cause of death was from natural causes and there is no need for an inquest. 

In a few cases an inquest is required. This is a court hearing in public held to establish the facts surrounding the death and the medical cause of the death.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For all information concerning specific cases where deaths that have been referred to the coroner or details regarding inquests (current or past), please contact the appropriate coroner direct, as detailed below.

The Coroners are:

Ian  Smith - H M Coroner for the South and East District
Central Police Station
Market Street
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria
LA14 2LE

Tel: 01229 848966


David Roberts  - H M Coroner for the North and West District 
Unit 5D/5E Lakeland Business Park
Cockermouth
Cumbria
CA13 0QT

Tel: 01900 706902


SERVICE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

For any general enquiries regarding the administration or management of the coroners service in Cumbria (not information regarding inquests, deaths reported to the coroner or individual cases as you need to contact the appropriate coroner) please contact:

Andrew Smith

Telephone: 01228 226115

registrationservice@cumbria.gov.uk

The service is managed by the county council, and the Manager for the Coroners Service within Cumbria is:

Jim Grisenthwaite 
Assistant Director - Local Services
 
HM Coroners Service - Cumbria
Cumbria County Council
15-18 Portland Square
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA1 1QQ