Beverley Anne Devanney · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 26th January 2016 I opened an inquest into the death of Beverley Anne Devanney who, at the date of her death, was aged 39 years. The inquest was resumed and concluded on 20th June 2016.

I found that the cause of death to be: -

1a. Multiple Injuries

The conclusion of the inquest was Suicide

At approximately 01.32 hours on Tuesday 19th January 2016, ████████ and ████████ were called to attend a report of a female standing on the wrong side of the barrier on Burdock Way flyover Halifax. Miss Devanney had a history of mental ill health and drug and alcohol misuse. Notwithstanding ████████ best actions and efforts to persuade her to safety, she suddenly jumped and fell from the bridge causing her to sustain multiple injuries consistent with a fall from a considerable height.

During the course of the inquest although it was apparent that ████████
████████areful and measured approach to Miss Devanney was beyond reproach, he informed me that there was no formal police training to cover Officers when faced with such circumstances.

• I would request West Yorkshire police to give consideration to the appropriateness of such training.