Coroners investigate deaths in certain circumstances, including sudden or unexplained deaths.

They are required by law to be qualified as a barrister, solicitor or legally qualified medical practitioner of not less than five years standing.

The London Inner South Coroner's Court operates from the boroughs of Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

The investigation usually involves carrying out a post-mortem examination followed by an inquest if the cause of death isn't natural.

Mortuary service

The mortuary handles deaths that have been referred to the coroner or deaths where no death certificate can be issued and a post mortem examination needs to be carried out.

Contact the coroner's office for more information about post-mortems and the mortuary service.