What to Do After an Unattended Death in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Discovering or being called about an unattended death is one of the most overwhelming moments a person can face. This guide walks you calmly through exactly what happens, in the order it happens, so you know what to do — and what not to do — in the hours and days that follow.
1. Call 999 first — even if the person has clearly passed
Always call 999 first. Police and paramedics need to formally attend, even when the death is clearly not suspicious. Do not move anything in the property and avoid going further into the room than necessary.
If the death looks recent, paramedics will attempt resuscitation. If it is clearly unattended, the police will secure the scene and call a coroner's officer.
2. The coroner's process
Because there was no doctor present, the death is reported to the coroner. The coroner's officer will arrange collection of the deceased — usually by a contracted funeral director on behalf of the coroner — and may order a post-mortem before releasing the body to the family.
Only once the coroner releases the scene can you begin to deal with the property itself. Do not enter the room or attempt to clean anything until you have explicit confirmation from the police or coroner that the scene is released.
3. Do not attempt to clean the property yourself
Bodily fluids, decomposition and pathogens carry serious health risks including hepatitis, MRSA and prolonged psychological trauma for whoever performs the clean. Standard cleaning products and PPE are not sufficient.
Specialist biohazard cleaning companies use hospital-grade chemistry, full BBP-rated PPE, HEPA air scrubbing and licensed clinical waste disposal — and we handle the emotional weight so you don't have to.
4. Contact a specialist trauma cleaning company
Call a specialist as soon as the scene is released. The faster cleaning starts, the less damage to the property and the easier odour removal becomes. Across Kent & Surrey, ATG Cleaning typically arrives on-site within 1 hour, in unmarked vehicles for full discretion.
We liaise directly with funeral directors, executors and insurers, and provide all the documentation you'll need for a claim.
5. Insurance and cost
Buildings and contents insurance often covers specialist biohazard and trauma cleaning following an unattended death. Call your insurer to open a claim and ask whether they have an approved restoration network — and whether you can nominate your own contractor.
We provide itemised quotes, scope of works and full waste consignment notes so claims process smoothly.
6. Taking care of yourself
Bereavement, especially after an unattended death, can hit hard days or weeks later. Cruse Bereavement Support (0808 808 1677) and Samaritans (116 123) are free and confidential. Don't try to carry this alone.
If you need a discreet, compassionate specialist anywhere in Kent or Surrey — 24/7 — call ATG Cleaning on 07711 794 975. We'll guide you through every step.
Call 24/7 — 07711 794 975