Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2026
Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2026-0017, written 13 Jan 2026. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.
| Date of report | 13 Jan 2026 |
|---|---|
| Reference | 2026-0017 |
| Deceased | Heidi Williams |
| Coroner | Anne Pember |
| Coroner area | Northamptonshire |
| Category | Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths |
| Source | judiciary.uk record · original PDF |
| Responses published | 1 |
Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.
Regulation 28: REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS NOTE: This form is to be used before an inquest. REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT DEATHS THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 1 Chief Constable of Essex Police 1 CORONER I am Anne PEMBER, Senior Coroner for the coroner area of Northamptonshire 2 CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 3 INVESTIGATION On 17 December 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Heidi Audrey Diana WILLIAMS aged 55. The investigation has not yet concluded and the inquest has not been heard. 4 CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH Heidi Williams died at her home address on 14th December 2024. A post-mortem examination took place and the cause of her death was given as Opiate and bromazolam toxicity. I have yet to resume this inquest. 5 CORONER’S CONCERNS During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) A review of her mobile phone showed that she was ordering a large number of tablets from a mobile number which also supplied banking details. These details resolved back to a suspect gentleman also has two addresses known on PNC within the Essex area. Northamptonshire Police have been in correspondence with Essex Police asking that Essex Police look into this matter. At the present time Essex police have refused so to do. with two addresses linking back to him within the Essex area. This 6 ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action. 7 YOUR RESPONSE You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by March 10, 2026. I, the coroner, may extend the period. Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. Regulation 28 – Before Inquest Document Template Updated 30/07/2020 8 COPIES and PUBLICATION I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested Persons (daughter of the deceased) Northamptonshire Police I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response. The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 9 Dated: 13/01/2026 Anne PEMBER Senior Coroner for Northamptonshire Regulation 28 – Before Inquest Document Template Updated 30/07/2020
1 response published against this report on judiciary.uk. A response is a body's written reply to the coroner's concerns; publication is at the discretion of the Chief Coroner's office, so an absent response does not mean nobody replied.
Essex Police Headquarters, PO Box 2
Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6DA
26th January 2026
Dear Ms Pember,
Thank you for your Regulation 28 (Before Inquest) report dated 13 January 2026 concerning
the death of Heidi Audrey Diana WILLIAMS. Please pass on my sincere condolences to her
family. I accept the concerns you have raised and set out the actions Essex Police is taking
to address the risk of future deaths.
Essex Police is now investigating the issues of alleged drug supply raised and this is being
led by our Serious Violence Unit. A Senior Investigating Officer with extensive experience in
complex drug supply networks and serious harm reduction is in charge.
For your awareness, the investigation is progressing across several strategic lines of
enquiry. Early analysis indicates that the supply of the substances taken by the deceased
involves individuals operating across multiple force areas, with intelligence suggesting that
elements of the supply chain may have originated outside Essex. There are also indications
that communications linked to this case may have occurred overseas. We are developing
the necessary international enquiries, working with partner agencies to understand potential
movements abroad, and preparing for what may become a lengthy and complex overseas
investigation. This approach ensures we are not constrained by geographic boundaries and
that all credible lines of enquiry are pursued.
We intend to take enforcement action, including arrests and searches of relevant premises,
as soon as possible and at the earliest operationally safe opportunity. This is to secure
evidence, protect the public, and prevent any continuation of harmful supply activity.
We share the concern about the potential for future deaths linked to illicit and contaminated
opioids. This is something that we routinely target, and we have prosecuted 62 County Lines
nominals where evidence showed links to drug related deaths through the supply of
contaminated opioids.
In an emergency always dial 999.
www.essex.police.co.uk
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I hope that this gives you assurance that we have taken ownership irrespective of
geographic boundaries and technicalities about where a crime may have been committed.
The core issue being that we tackle offending, disrupt supply and if possible, bring offenders
to justice and in doing so do all we can to prevent future deaths.
To ensure alignment across coronial jurisdictions and to support prevention of future deaths,
we will update the Essex Coroner regarding the concerns you have raised and share
relevant learning and operational actions arising from this investigation.
Essex Police remain committed to acting swiftly, collaboratively, and decisively to prevent
further loss of life linked to controlled drug supply.
Please accept my apologies that you had to raise this issue with me.
Should you require any additional information at this stage, please let me know.
Yours Sincerely,
Chief Constable
2
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