Investigations and inquests into the deaths of Wigan residents could be led by new assistant coroners
Coroners investigate deaths and preside over inquests.
Four new assistant coroners have been appointed to look into the deaths of people from Wigan.
They will join the coronial area of Greater Manchester West, which covers Bolton, Salford and Wigan.
Michael Rawlinson is an experienced barrister and part-time employment tribunal judge, Fiona Clancy is a criminal and regulatory barrister who sits as a crown court recorder, Caroline Chandler is an experienced solicitor who sits as an assistant coroner in West Yorkshire (Western) and Manchester South, and James Lester-Ashworth is an in-house senior lawyer and an assistant coroner in Manchester City.
They will investigate when the cause of death is unknown, violent or unnatural, or if someone was in a state of detention, such as police custody, at the time of their death.
Christopher Walker, coroner services manager, said: “In a particularly strong competition from over 80 applications, we are delighted to have been able to appoint four truly outstanding individuals to assist His Majesty’s senior coroner Timothy Brennand.”