Coroners and Justice Act 2009

Power of entry, search and seizure

3 (1) A senior coroner conducting an investigation under this Part, if authorised—

(a) by the Chief Coroner, or

(b) by another senior coroner nominated by the Chief Coroner to give authorisation,

may enter and search any land specified in the authorisation.

(2) An authorisation may be given only if—

(a) the senior coroner conducting the investigation has reason to suspect that there may be anything on the land which relates to a matter that is relevant to the investigation, and

(b) any of the conditions in sub-paragraph (3) are met.

(3) Those conditions are—

(a) that it is not practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant permission to enter and search the land;

(b) that permission to enter and search the land has been refused;

(c) that the senior coroner has reason to believe that such permission would be refused if requested;

(d) that the purpose of a search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless the senior coroner can secure immediate entry to the land on arrival.

(4) A senior coroner conducting an investigation under this Part who is lawfully on any land—

(a) may seize anything that is on the land;

(b) may inspect and take copies of any documents.

(5) A reference in this paragraph to land is not limited to land within the coroner area for which the senior coroner in question is appointed.

(6) A reference in this paragraph to a senior coroner is to be read as including the Coroner for Treasure.