NEW assistant coroners for the Black Country have been sworn in at an official ceremony.

Laura Nash, Emma Serrano and Emma Whiting have received the consent of the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor, and will support the region’s current senior coroner Zafar Siddique in serving bereaved families in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Following the ceremony at Black Country Coroners Court, in Jack Judge House, Oldbury, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Syeda Khatun, said: “Following the retirement of existing assistant coroners, we recognised it is important that we ensure the senior coroner has sufficient resources.

“The council understands the importance bereaved families place on a service such as the coroners.

“Along with the recent investment into the excellent court facilities at Jack Judge House, the new assistant coroners will ensure families from across the Black Country have access to what has been described as a centre of excellence by the Chief Coroner of England and Wales.”