Murder, manslaughter and infanticide of British nationals abroad: memorandum of understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) applies for England and Wales, and helps clarify the roles of the FCDO, the police and coroners.
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
Families bereaved through murder, manslaughter and infanticide abroad are likely to face additional legal, financial and logistical challenges.
Jurisdiction for the investigation is most likely to remain with the authorities in the country where the British person died. In these circumstances a coronial investigation in England and Wales will only take place if the body is repatriated, reported to the coroner, and the death is violent, unnatural, or of unknown cause.
When a death overseas occurs, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the government department immediately responsible for supporting bereaved families and providing information about customs, procedures and support services. However the FCDO does not have an investigative capability or role.
Deaths overseas that are not being investigated as a (potential) homicide by the relevant overseas authorities, fall outside the scope of this MoU. Nevertheless the authorities involved will seek to apply the principles set out, and in the Annexes, to offer support to bereaved families where possible.