Jack Piper-Sheach: inquest opens at Blackpool Coroners Court into 10 year old boy who died of an electric shock at Tiffany's hotel

Blackpool’s Senior Coroner, Alan Wilson, held a short hearing at Coroner’s Court this afternoon.

The coroner confirmed that young Jack was born in Grimsby, on June 12, 2013, where he still lives, on Clarendon Road.

10-year-old Jack was found unresponsive in the lobby area of Tiffany’s Hotel at around 10.40pm on Sunday, September 3.

He died four days later, on September 07, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

What do we know about how Jack Piper-Sheach died?

Alan Wilson, senior coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, said: “There’s clearly questions to be asked about how this incident happened.”

Mr Wilson said Jack’s family decided not to attend Friday afternoon’s hearing because it would be brief – but would be informed of any developments and the details heard.

An initial assessment of the cause of Jack’s death was made by a paediatric consultant at Alder Hey, the coroner added.

He said: “Essentially, she reports that this young boy suffered an electrocution injury that caused cardiac arrest and then a lack of oxygen to the brain.”

When will the inquest be held for Jack Piper-Sheach?

A further pre-inquest hearing is scheduled for December 15 and the full inquest is set for February 6 or 7 2024.

Who will give evidence at the hearing?

The coroner has called for a number of official reports from agencies who attended the scene and treated Jack in hospital.

The court is expected to hear evidence from Det Insp Steve Montgomery, from Lancashire Police, and an electrical engineer who attended the scene of the incident.

Mr Wilson said an interim report has been completed by Lancashire Police, with a full report expected by mid-November.

Police have taken witness statements from the hotel’s general manager and director, he added.

Mr Wilson has also requested a report from a senior member of the paramedic crew, and an overview of care provided at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – Jack’s place of death.

More to follow