Guidance

Murder or manslaughter of British nationals abroad: organisational roles and responsibilities

Explains the roles and responsibilities of the UK organisations that support bereaved families when a British national dies by murder or manslaughter abroad.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 31 August 2022
• Last updated: 12 February 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 12 February 2026

     The guidance has been completely rewritten for improved clarity and to reflect the latest roles and responsibilities.

  2. 31 August 2022

     First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Murder or manslaughter of British nationals abroad: organisational roles and responsibilities

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Annex 1: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - role and responsibilities

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Annex 2: Ministry of Justice Homicide Service - role and responsibilities

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Annex 3: Police forces in England and Wales - role and responsibilities

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Annex 4: Coroner (England and Wales) - role and responsibilities

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Annex 5: Useful links

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Details

These documents explain how UK organisations support families in England and Wales when a British national is murdered or dies by manslaughter abroad. They set out:

• what support the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Justice, police and coroners can provide
• how organisations share information and coordinate with each other and with overseas authorities
• what families can expect if a body is repatriated to England or Wales

If the victim is a British person you know, read Support after murder or manslaughter abroad.