Deaths in State Detention as Deaths Reported to Coroners in 2025
Dr Martin Harris
https://private-gp-in-london.co.uk/
The annual publication presents statistics of deaths reported to Coroners in England and Wales in 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/coroners-statistics-2025/coroners-statistics-2025-england-and-wales
Deaths in state detention (including those released from custody within 7 days and residents of probation-approved schemes) reported to coroners increased by 13% to 622 in 2025, driven by a rise in the number of deaths which occurred in prison custody and Mental Health Act detention.
In England and Wales, all deaths in custody and state detention are reported to coroners and must have an inquest, including where the death is suspected to be from natural causes. This includes deaths in prison and police custody, Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs), Mental Health Act detention, Secure Training Centres and Local Authority Secure Children’s Homes, and deaths when on Release on Temporary License (ROTL). These figures also include some deaths of those released from custody within the last 7 days and residents of probation-approved premises, although these do not always have to be reported to the coroner.
In 2025, a total of 622 deaths which occurred in state detention were reported to coroners; an increase of 73 deaths (13%) on the previous year and representing less than 1% of all deaths reported to coroners.
There were 183 reported deaths of individuals subject to Mental Health Act Detention in 2025, a 21% increase (32 cases) compared with 2024. The Care Quality Commission reported 253 deaths under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) financial year 2024/25, up 12% on the number they reported in 2023/24 (225 deaths).
The number of deaths in prison custody reported to coroners increased by 8% (30 cases) compared with 2024, to 392 deaths in 2025. His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) reported 394 deaths in prison custody in 2025 (Safety in Custody Statistics, up 15% on the number they reported in 2024 (342 deaths). The deaths in prison custody reported by coroners (392) have been cross-referenced to deaths in prison custody recorded on the HMPPS database (394) in order to ensure consistency between these two sources. The difference in the two sources may be due to timing. Deaths which are transferred between areas or occur close to the end of the calendar year may be reported to the coroner in the next year, causing minor discrepancies. For more detailed information on prison custody deaths please see the Safety in Custody Statistics publication. Police custody cases increased by 7, to 23 deaths.
Dr Martin Harris Private GP in London and expert for medical legal reports and qualified Medical Examiner RCPathME