James Lakin

Inspector Lakin left Bodlewell Lane Police Station about 9.30am after the change of watch and stood at the steps of the ferryboat landing as was his habit. After he failed to return officers made a search and, about 2:00pm, his body was found floating in the river a few yards from the steps. It was believed he had slipped and drowned.

The Coroner ruled out suicide after hearing evidence that one of the Constables who found his body noted a cut and abrasion above his left eye suggesting he slipped, suffered the injury and entered the water.

He was survived by his adult children.