Police told to review park presence after death

A coroner has called for a review of the policing of a Hull park following the death of a vulnerable woman.

East Riding and Hull Senior Coroner Prof Paul Marks ruled that Ellie Herron took her own life in December 2025 after struggling with mental health issues and alcohol addiction.

Herron lived in a tent in Pearson Park and was "vulnerable and probably the subject of mental, physical and sexual abuse from associates who live rough", Marks wrote in a Prevention of Future Deaths Report addressed to Humberside Police chief constable Chris Todd.

He called on the force to review "policing and presence" in the park. A police spokesperson said they were preparing a response for the coroner.

In his report, Marks said: "Pearson Park is frequented by individuals who sell and abuse drugs, drink alcohol and in addition, many individuals sleep rough in the park.

"It is well known that criminal activities of various sorts occurs in this park, and vulnerable individuals are at high risk as a consequence."

The inquest ruled that the 27-year-old's death was suicide and there were "no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement surrounding her death".

A Humberside Police spokesperson said: "We are in the process of preparing a response for the corner in respect to the concerns raised."

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