Grant Lowry
30 Mar 2026 · Coroner Clare Bailey · Teesside & Hartlepool
The coroner's concerns
1. inadequate search coordination
“There were issues with communication and record keeping which impacted on the quality and effectiveness of the searches undertaken”
2. inaccurate location recording
“The location of the first NPAS heat source was not recorded accurately”
3. incomplete search documentation
“The outcome of the search into the first NPAS heat source was not recorded accurately by the Officers involved or the call handler”
4. neglected heat source
“The details of the second NPAS heat source were not heeded”
5. lack of inter‑agency liaison
“There was no liaison between Hartlepool and Stockton officers during the search”
6. delayed mutual aid request
“There were delays in requesting Polsa Mutual Aid from neighbouring police forces”
7. delayed mountain rescue request
“There were delays in requesting the involvement of Mountain Rescue”
8. inadequate personal protective equipment
“the officer who was guided by NPAS to the first heat source did not have a full set of operational PPE for a search at night time in a dense area”