Alfie Lawless

I am Chris Morris, Area Coroner for Greater Manchester (South).

On 31 st July 2024, an inquest was opened into the death of Alfie Lawless, who was found dead at his home on 10 th July 2024, aged 19 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 28 th February 2025. A post mortem examination determined Mr Lawless died as a consequence of hanging. At the end of the inquest, I recorded a conclusion of Suicide.

Mr Lawless died having suspended himself by the neck with a ligature. Mr Lawless’s mental health  had deteriorated in the aftermath of an incident on 18 th May 2024 which led to him being found  outdoors in Manchester City Centre partially clothed and with a head injury, but with no specific  recollection as to what had occurred. Amphetamine was subsequently detected as being present in  Mr Lawless’s system around this time, which he maintained he had not ingested voluntarily. Police officers attended in response to a 999 call made by a member of the public, and an  investigation commenced in respect of the crime of battery / common assault pursuant to s39  Criminal Justice Act 1988. This investigation was later closed following difficulties in establishing  contact with Mr Lawless. Mr Lawless had used cocaine prior to his death.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my  statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – The court heard evidence from a Detective Sergeant from Greater Manchester Police’s Professional Standards Branch (‘PSB’) as to valuable learning which has been identified following her review and critical analysis of the police response to the initial 999 call made on 18 th May 2024 and the  subsequent police investigation. In the light of this, I am concerned as to the length of time it took for Mr Lawless’s death to be  recognised by Greater Manchester Police as a Death or Serious Injury within the meaning of s12  Police Reform Act 2002: something which appears only to have occurred after a statement for the  purposes of the inquest was requested from a senior officer asked to review previous police contact with Mr Lawless.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your  organisation have the power to take such action.

th March 2025 Signature:    Chris Morris, Area Coroner, Manchester South