Guidance

Murder and manslaughter abroad: Family information guide for England and Wales

Published 8 January 2026

Applies to England and Wales

If you are a family member bereaved by murder or manslaughter abroad, you can get help in England and Wales, including help from services that support victims. This guidance explains what is available to those who live in England or Wales.

Overview  

This guide is for victims and family members who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to murder or manslaughter abroad. It outlines the support available to help you navigate this difficult time. Every country treats investigations differently, but there are dedicated services in England and Wales to provide you with support when a family member is killed by murder or manslaughter abroad. The UK government is committed to supporting you. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will assign you a dedicated case manager from a specialist team to guide you through what can be a very complex and distressing time. Your case manager will provide you with information and support relevant to the country where your family member died. They will support you for as long as you need.  

This guide sets out: 

  • Section 1: What to expect in the beginning   
  • Section 2: Help navigating this difficult time 

Who should I contact for help? 

You should contact the FCDO if you have found out that your family member has died by murder or manslaughter abroad by calling the 24/7 helpline on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 and selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’.  

Section 1 - What you can expect in the beginning 

There are dedicated services in England and Wales available to support you when a family member is killed by murder or manslaughter abroad. You may be eligible to access tailored support that meets your specific needs through the Homicide Service. Support will be available to you and your family for as long as you need. 

What do I do when I’ve found out my family member has been killed by murder or manslaughter abroad? 

It is important that you are in contact with the FCDO to receive information from the authorities in the country where your loved one has died. Depending on how you have been given this news, you may or may not already be in touch with them. If you are not, or if you are unsure, you should contact the FCDO on +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’. You will be put through to the 24/7 team in the Consular Contact Centre.

The FCDO publishes a range of relevant guidance on its consular services, including in cases of murder or manslaughter.

What happens after my family member is killed by murder or manslaughter abroad?  

Once you have made contact with the FCDO, your assigned case manager will be in touch to understand what support you and your family need and they will pass on any information they have from the authorities overseas.  

You can expect them to introduce themselves, explain how they can support you and to share important information about what to expect.  

How can my FCDO case manager help?  

Your case manager will: 

  • Work with you to understand what support you need in the immediate term, outline any practical steps you need to take and give you guidance on any decisions that need to be made. 
  • Provide you with information about bringing your family member’s body back to England or Wales (this is called ‘repatriation’), or other options that you may wish to consider such as burial or cremation overseas.  
  • Explain how the legal and investigative process works in the relevant country. 
  • Agree how to stay in touch in a way that works for you – whether by phone, email, video call or in person. You can update this preference at any time.  

There can be a lot of decisions to make, and you are likely to receive a lot of information. If possible, you might want a family member or friend to help you with managing updates and making decisions.   

You can find information online about Professional services if you are abroad.  

What is the Homicide Service?  

This is a specialist support service delivered by the charity Victim Support, to ensure eligible family members are provided with appropriate support following a homicide. 

Who is eligible for support from the Homicide Service and how is it accessed?

While the deceased must be a British National, you do not have to be a British National to get help from the service. However, you must live in England or Wales and be: 

  1. a spouse, partner, civil partner, parent, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling or dependant of the victim.
  2. another family member if there is no one who meets the criteria set out above.
  3. a carer to the victim before their death; and/or
  4. a carer (either before or because of the death) to one or more of the dependants of the victim.

You can speak to your FCDO case manager at any time for a referral to the Homicide Service (even years after the death). You can also self-refer calling this number 0300 303 1984.  

If you are referred to the Homicide Service, or once you self-refer, a caseworker from the service will contact you within two working days of the referral being made. If that feels too soon, you can ask for a delay. 

How can the Homicide Service help me?  

You can get free help from this service, no matter when the death happened. A Homicide Service caseworker will work with you to understand what support you need, and you can stay in the service for as long as you need. If you decide to leave the service, you can come back at any time. 

After you have suffered the loss of a family member, from homicide (murder or manslaughter) abroad, there is often a lot to think about and the Homicide Service can help with this.

The support available from the Homicide Service is based on need and can include: 

  • Emotional and practical help from a caseworker who is trauma trained.
  • Advocacy - someone to speak up for you or help you to speak up for yourself and help with issues such as accommodation, finance, employment, welfare, and education.
  • Information and advice on how to deal with media attention including social media.
  • Peer support – connecting you with others who have been through similar experiences.
  • Financial support where necessary to access some of the professional services families might need.
  • Counselling or therapy.

Further information about the support available from the Homicide Service is included in the relevant sections of this guidance and will give you a fuller picture of how they can help.

Section 2: Help navigating this difficult time  

Your main points of contact will be your dedicated FCDO case manager, and if you have been referred, your Homicide Service caseworker.  

You may need help from professionals like lawyers, translators or funeral directors in the country where the death happened. 

Other organisations such as the police in England and Wales and the Coroner may also be involved in certain circumstances, such as if the case goes to court in this country or if there is an inquest. They understand how hard this time can be for you and your family and will work together to make things as smooth as possible. These organisations have agreed how they will work together to support you – you can read this agreement here.  

What ongoing support can I expect from the FCDO?  

Your FCDO case manager can continue to support you for as long as you and your family need. Where possible, this support can include: 

  • Providing advice on local customs and what to expect in the country where the death happened.
  • Making a referral so you can get help at UK airports, if you need to travel abroad, to make the journey easier.
  • The option to meet with a consular officer at the nearest British embassy or consulate.
  • Helping to arrange a meeting with the local police or investigating authority of the country where the death happened.
  • Providing a list of English-speaking lawyers who work in or understand the legal system in that country.
  • Providing lists of translators and interpreters.
  • In-person support attending any trial which takes place overseas, including having an FCDO officer accompany you on the first and last day, and when the verdict is given.
  • Providing advice and guidance on how to manage media interest at any stage of an investigation, and if needed, releasing a public statement.

What if I don’t speak the language?  

Understanding what is going on in another justice system abroad can be very difficult if this is not in the language you speak. You can access translation support through the Homicide Service, to help you understand what is going on with your family member’s case or find a translation service using the FCDO list of English-speaking translators and interpreters abroad.

What if I need information translated?  

Translation means changing written information from one language into another, while keeping the meaning the same. 

The Homicide Service can arrange for documents related to the criminal justice process to be translated and make a financial contribution towards the translation of these documents.

You can find translation services for the language you need here: Professional services if you are abroad. 

If there is an inquest in England or Wales, the documents you receive may be translated if needed – this will be done through the coroner. 

Can I have an interpreter? 

An interpreter is someone who helps people who speak different languages to understand each other by translating spoken words in real time.  

Your FCDO case manager cannot provide you with an interpreter. The Homicide Service may be able to support you to find and pay for an interpreter from their approved supplier. Alternatively, you can find interpreters for the language you need here: Professional services if you are abroad.

Do I need a lawyer abroad? 

It is not possible to know how long an investigation or legal proceedings abroad may take. You could consider appointing a local lawyer to support you through the legal process. 

Your FCDO case manager will help you understand what to expect and provide you with a list of local lawyers.  

Can I get financial support? 

If your family member is killed by murder or manslaughter abroad, you may want to travel to the country or pay for additional support, such as translation or legal advice. This can place unexpected financial pressure on you at an already distressing time. The UK government cannot directly cover these costs, but support is available to help you to understand what financial help is available, including from the Homicide Service.  

What financial support or advice can the Homicide Service offer?  

The Homicide Service will work with you to discuss your individual needs so they can provide the right support, including potentially providing financial help with: 

  • Identifying and bringing your family member’s body home (repatriation).
  • Essential travel to the country if you need to visit for reasons linked to criminal justice processes.
  • Legal advice related to the criminal investigation and trial.
  • Getting documents translated into English or another language that you understand.

Sometimes, the authorities in the country where the murder or manslaughter happened will pay for some costs. If your family member was travelling for work, their employer might meet these costs, alternatively, your family member might have travel insurance. If these options are not available, the Homicide Service can help. 

Financial support from the Homicide Service is not means tested, but only costs directly linked to the murder or manslaughter can be considered. You should speak to your caseworker about what support is available to you. 

What advice can the FCDO offer?

Your case manager can offer advice on whether foreign authorities offer any financial assistance to bereaved families. 

What help can I expect with arranging a burial, funeral, cremation or bringing my family member home after they have died abroad?  

Making decisions about your family member’s body, including their funeral arrangements for burial or cremation can be difficult, especially if the death happened abroad. Each country has its processes to follow, and rules can be different depending on where the death happened.  

Your FCDO case manager and Homicide Service caseworker will explain your options, guide you through local practices, and support you in making the decision that feels right for you and your family. 

There can only be a coronial process in the UK if your family member is repatriated to the UK and has not been cremated.

What can I expect from the FCDO?

 Your case manager will:  

  • Explain the options for repatriation (bringing your family member’s body home) or how to arrange a funeral in the country where the death happened. They will also tell you what documents you will need and share details of local funeral services.
  • Explain the role of the coroner if your family member is brought back to England or Wales.
  • Help you to get your family member’s belongings back, if possible.

What to ask the FCDO?  

  • What do I need to do to bring my family member’s body back to England or Wales?
  • What happens if I don’t repatriate my family member’s body back to England or Wales?
  • What if my family member has already been buried or cremated abroad? How will this affect the coronial process in the UK?
  • What documents are needed for repatriation?
  • Can you give me contact details for an international funeral director?
  • What are the options for burial or cremation in the country where the death occurred?
  • Can you help me get an English translation of the death certificate?

What can I expect from the Homicide Service?

 Your Homicide Service caseworker will:   

  • Support you emotionally through the repatriation and or funeral process.
  • Discuss options for financial assistance for the repatriation of your family member if their body is to be returned to England or Wales. Decisions on helping with these costs are made on a case-by-case basis and will consider other sources of funding such as authorities in the country or travel insurance.

What to ask the Homicide Service:  

  • Can you help me contact the insurance company?
  • How can you help me bring my family member’s body back?
  • How can you help me organise a funeral abroad?
  • What financial support can you offer to help me?

The steps you can take:  

  • The final decision about repatriating your family member lies with the next of kin (a family member e.g. spouse, parent, adult child).
  • If you choose repatriation, you will need to appoint an international funeral director to help with the arrangements. The Homicide Service may also be able to support you to arrange this. See Professional services if you are abroad.
  • If you are arranging a funeral at home, you will also need to appoint a funeral director local to where you live.
  • Find out if your family member had a travel insurance policy, as the policy may include options for financial support.

What to ask the international funeral directors?  

  • Who will be my main point of contact and how can I reach them?
  • What steps are involved to repatriate my family member back to the England or Wales?
  • What documents are needed from me and local authorities?
  • How long does the process usually take?
  • Are there any additional fees or costs I should expect?
  • Will you speak directly to England or Wales funeral directors or the consular service?

What is a coroner?

When a body is repatriated to England and Wales, a coroner may need to be involved.

A coroner is an independent judge who investigates deaths which are unnatural or violent, where the cause of death is unknown or where the death took place in state detention. They can only investigate deaths where a body is present in England and Wales.

The coroner’s role is to find out who died and how, when, and where they died. The investigation may include a court hearing called an inquest.

The coroner does not decide if anyone is guilty of a criminal offence, to blame for the death, or if anyone has civil liability (for example, that they should pay compensation). Coroners cannot hold investigations in other countries or make witnesses from overseas attend to give evidence.

Your main contact with the coroner will be through the coroner’s officer who is a member of staff who works for the coroner and will answer any questions you may have and keep you informed of progress. Guide to coroner services - GOV.UK  

What you can expect from the coroner:

If your family member’s body is returned to England or Wales, the coroner will first decide whether they are legally required to investigate the death. In cases of apparent or confirmed homicide, it is very likely that the death will be reported to the coroner. If your family member is buried abroad or only their ashes are returned to England or Wales, a coroner in England or Wales will not need to be involved.  

What happens if a coroner is involved? 

When a death is reported to a coroner, the coroner’s office will be in touch with you to explain the process. 

As part of this, the coroner will have what is called ‘legal control’ of your family member’s body until their coronial functions come to an end. This ensures the process is fair and independent.

The coroner may ask for a post-mortem examination of your family member who has died to help them find out the cause of death.  

A post-mortem examination is carried out by a pathologist, who is a specialist doctor. If a post-mortem is required, it will take place as soon as possible after your family member’s death. Your family member’s body will be cared for at a public mortuary during this time.    

You’ll normally be told by the coroner when and where the post-mortem will happen. You have the right to ask that a doctor represents you at a post-mortem.  

Wherever possible, coroners will take account of your faith and cultural practices. They will also talk you through the options available if it is necessary for the pathologist to keep samples from your family member’s body.   

Once the coroner has completed their investigations, they will arrange for your family member’s body to be returned to you, so the funeral can take place and will keep you updated if there is going to be any delay.  

What can I expect if there is an inquest in England or Wales? 

There will not be an inquest for all cases where someone’s body is repatriated back to England or Wales. Typically, if the coroner determines that the cause of death is unnatural, violent, unknown, or occurred in state detention, they must hold a public court hearing known as an inquest. You can find more on the inquest process here  Guide to coroner services - GOV.UK  You can contact your local coroner to discuss the options with the coroner’s office.

The coroner does not decide if anyone is guilty of a criminal offence, to blame for the death, or if anyone has civil liability (for example, that they should pay compensation). Coroners cannot hold investigations in other countries or make witnesses from overseas attend to give evidence. 

An inquest may not take place until some months after the death. This is so the coroner can gather all the relevant evidence and schedule the inquest to take place. Sometimes the coroner must wait for other official bodies, including authorities abroad, to complete their investigations into a death first.   

As a family member, you will be an “interested person,” which means you have certain rights. This includes the right to receive information and to attend the inquest or review hearing, as well as the right to ask relevant questions during the inquest. You will be told the dates of the inquest and any review hearings, but you do not have to attend if you don’t want to. The coroner’s officer can explain the options available to you.   

You may be asked for a witness statement in advance or to give evidence at the inquest hearing. This is not always needed, and you will be told in advance. They may also ask you to provide documents in your possession relating to the death abroad, such as police reports or a foreign death certificate.  

During the inquest hearing, the coroner will make sure your questions can be put to witnesses. You can also bring someone with you, like a friend, to support you. You do not need to have legal representation at an inquest. However, if you wish to be legally represented, you are entitled to do so.   

At the end of the inquest, after hearing all the evidence, the coroner will reach a conclusion, explaining the death. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions.

In some cases, the coroner may also issue a Prevention of Future Death Report to help stop similar deaths from happening. This is where the coroner draws attention to actions which could be taken to prevent a similar death occurring in the future.  

What help can I expect to receive during the investigation abroad? 

When a crime happens abroad, it is usually investigated by the police in that country. The investigation will follow that country’s laws and procedures which may be different from those in England and Wales.

UK government authorities, such as the FCDO and police in England and Wales, have no legal powers to interfere in investigations carried out by another country. This is known as having no jurisdiction.  

How can the FCDO keep me up to date about the investigation abroad? ​      

 Your case manager will:  

  • Explain how things happen in that country and will stay in touch with you and the authorities in that country for updates where this is possible.
  • Update you when they receive information and pass on any concerns or questions on your behalf. In some countries, you may need to have a lawyer acting on your behalf in order to get information.

What to ask FCDO?  

  • What should I expect from the local police investigation?
  • What cultural or procedural differences might affect how the investigation is handled?
  • How would I apply for ‘victim status’ or other equivalent local legal status if this is needed?
  • Can I get help understanding the legal process?
  • Will I be able to attend a trial or other legal proceedings?

What help can I expect from the Homicide Service during the investigation abroad?

Your Homicide Service caseworker will:  

  • Help you to cover some legal costs related to the criminal investigation and trial - you should discuss this with your caseworker.
  • Provide emotional support throughout the investigation.
  • Explore if they can help you find a lawyer in the country where your family member was killed.

When might the police in England or Wales become involved? 

The police in England and Wales are not automatically involved in investigating the death of a British National abroad, and they cannot investigate overseas without the consent of the country where the death occurred.

For the police in England and Wales to become involved, there needs to be an investigative role for them, which may include:

  • If identification is needed of the person who died, the police may help by collecting DNA or medical records.
  • If the foreign authority asks for the police in England or Wales to help gather information from the family to support their investigation.
  • If your family member’s body is returned to England or Wales, the police can work on behalf of the coroner to understand what has happened. They may assist the coroner with an inquest or post-mortem, if requested by the coroner.
  • If as a family member, you are unhappy with the police investigation in the country where the death happened, you can ask the police in England and Wales for assistance. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • If the person responsible is a British National or resident, or there has been a conspiracy to kill which has happened in England or Wales. These investigations can face difficult legal challenges, and it is extremely rare for the police in England and Wales to investigate a murder or manslaughter abroad.

The chief constable of your local force will decide how much assistance they can provide to your case. This may include assigning a senior investigating officer (SIO) and a family liaison officer (FLO) who may be able to help with certain elements of the process. 

If a senior investigating officer is assigned to your case, they may be able to request information through international police networks like Interpol and will decide whether you need a family liaison officer.  

If a family liaison officer is assigned to you, they will coordinate communication between you and other services such as with the Homicide Service and your FCDO case manager. They will also keep you updated about the investigation and explain the coroners process if your family members body is bought back to England or Wales. 

What the police in England and Wales cannot do

Police in England and Wales cannot always contact the foreign police to get updates about the investigation. The FCDO case manager can share updates with you about an investigation in a foreign country.

The police in England and Wales cannot share information with foreign authorities if it might lead to someone being sentenced to death, unless they have specific authorisation to do so.

In countries where the death penalty is used, this means there may be restrictions on what information the police can share to support the foreign investigation.

What if I think the death is suspicious but it is not being investigated as a murder or manslaughter?  

The FCDO can advise you on how to raise concerns with the authorities abroad. You should also consider seeking independent legal advice. You can speak to your local police force in England or Wales, who may contact the foreign authority through policing channels if they think it is appropriate.  

Legal cases in other countries can last a long time, sometimes many years. This can be upsetting and stressful. The UK government has no power to speed up court cases or change how trials are run in other countries or force the authorities to share information.  

Your FCDO case manager will:  

  • Seek updates from the overseas authorities on your behalf, and share any updates they receive, such as hearing dates or progress with the case.
  • Keep in contact with you regularly. They will agree with you how often and by what method, even if there is little or no new information to share. If you choose to attend the trial, they can support you to attend.  An FCDO officer may be able to accompany you on the first and last day, and when the verdict is given.
  • Communicate any concerns or difficulties you have to the relevant authorities overseas.

The Homicide Service can: 

  • Offer financial help with essential travel to the country if you need to visit for reasons linked to criminal justice processes.
  • Provide emotional support throughout the legal proceedings.

What you can do 

  • You can contact your FCDO case manager during working hours on the phone, or by email, at any time. If you wish, they will be happy to meet you virtually or in person at their office in London.

What if I need help with media attention?  

Being contacted by the media after the death of a family member can be upsetting and difficult to manage — especially where the death happens abroad. 

You may feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to respond. Support is available to help you understand your rights, manage any media attention, and protect your privacy during this difficult time. 

Who can support me with media requests?

Your FCDO case manager and Homicide Service caseworker can give you information about how to manage media attention, including social media. They may also be able to help you to release media statements. However, this may be more limited if the media organisation is based overseas. 

How can I get support for unwanted attention from the media?

In England and Wales, there is a 24-hour service to assist members of the public with concerns about press intrusion and harassment the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). You can contact the service on 0300 123 2220, or outside normal hours on 07799 903 929.

If the attention you are receiving from the media is making you feel unsafe, you should contact your local police.

What happens after the offender has been sentenced abroad?   

You may be eligible to receive certain information about the person responsible for the death of your family member after they have been sentenced. This will depend on a number of factors including if the offender is a British National and is returned to England and Wales after sentencing. 

If the offender is a British National imprisoned abroad  

If the offender is a British National and is serving their sentence in a prison overseas, the information you receive may vary depending on the country where the crime took place. If the perpetrator is released abroad, the UK government may not be informed of their release. This means you may not receive any notification when they are released from custody. 

If the offender is a British National sent back to serve their sentence in England and Wales 

If the offender responsible for the death of your family member is a British citizen and is transferred back to serve their sentence in England and Wales, you will be eligible to receive certain information via the Probation Service Victim Contact Scheme.

The Cross Border Transfer Section in His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is responsible for the repatriation of British National Offenders to England and Wales to serve the remainder of their foreign sentence. If they have your details, they will let the Victim Contact Scheme know so you can access the service. If not, you may need to contact the Victim Contact Scheme yourself to get this information. You may not be made aware that the offender is being repatriated to England or Wales if services do not have your details.

If you wish to engage with the Victim Contact Scheme, your main point of contact will move from your FCDO case manager to someone else in England and Wales such as a victim liaison officer (VLO).

If you opt into the Victim Contact Scheme, an allocated VLO will provide you with information about the criminal justice system and you will receive updates at the key stages of the offender’s sentence. This could include information about their sentence and if the offender is due to be released from prison.

You will be able to make a Victim Personal Statement where it falls to the Parole Board to decide whether to direct release of the offender from prison. You can also request licence conditions, such as no contact conditions and exclusion zones, which, if approved, the offender will have to comply with should they be released into the community on licence.  For more information about your specific rights see Right 11 of the Victims Code.

If you opt into the Victim Contact Scheme, your VLO will be your main point of contact to provide you with information about your case. You can also continue to receive support from your Homicide Service case worker.

What you can do 

  • If you think you should have been referred, or you have changed your mind about joining the scheme, you can contact  vcsenquiries@justice.gov.uk
  • You can find out more about how the Victims Code applies to you if the offender is a British National and has been transferred back to England and Wales.

What if the offender is not a British National? 

The amount of information you receive about the person convicted of your family member’s death can vary depending on the country where the crime took place. 

If the offender is not a British national and is serving their sentence abroad, it is important to know that the UK government is unlikely to be informed when they are released. The FCDO is not able to track cases for the full length of an offenders sentence. 

You do not have to go through this alone, and help remains available to you.  

What you can expect from Homicide Service  

They can provide a range of emotional and practical support for as long as you need it. If you leave the service, you can rejoin at any time. This may be particularly helpful if, for example, the offender is being released or returned to serve their sentence in a prison in England or Wales.  

Can I get compensation? 

In most cases, compensation will not be available. Many countries do not have compensation schemes, and where they do exist, the rules vary. What you can claim will depend on the country where your family member died or where the crime happened. Your FCDO case manager can provide information about the country where your family member died.

If your situation is not covered within this guide, you may be eligible for other support

This guide is for families bereaved by murder or manslaughter where the person who died was a British National and the death happened overseas. It does not cover: 

  • Where the victim is a British National but families are not residents in England and Wales.
  • Deaths overseas that are unexplained, unconfirmed, or suspicious.
  • People who go missing abroad Getting help if someone goes missing abroad - GOV.UK.
  • Deaths overseas caused by terrorism Deaths overseas as a result of terrorism This page contains information on where to seek advice and assistance. It also provides details of official helplines and support services available to victims, survivors, witnesses, family members, and all those affected. Please note: the Homicide Service does support eligible family members bereaved by terrorism abroad.
  • Deaths caused by road traffic accidents abroad (unless it was a deliberate act of murder or manslaughter using a vehicle) Get help if a crash happened abroad, Brake. National Road Victim Service works with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to give emotional and practical support to families and friends in the UK of anyone killed in a road crash abroad.
  • If you are a UK resident and have been injured because of a violent crime abroad, you may be able to apply for compensation in the country in which the crime occurred. For more details, visit Compensation if you’re a victim of crime abroad - GOV.UK.

What further information or support is available?  

Additional resources, official guidance, and support services. 

What if I need to raise concerns or make a complaint?  

Support for families after a family member is killed abroad by murder or manslaughter can vary depending on the country and the type of help you need. 

If you feel the support you have received from services in England or Wales is not right, there are processes in place to help you raise concerns: