Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill, 41, took his own life after being arrested over ‘sex assault of a woman’

Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill committed suicide after police arrested him for alleged sexual assault.

The 41-year-old soap actor was found dead at his home on December 30 last year, a day after being questioned by Lancashire Police.

He left a note on his neighbor’s door containing the keys to his house, warning them not to enter and to call emergency services.

Described as ‘talented and kind-hearted’ by his co-stars, Mr Hammill was known for playing a prison guard in Emmerdale and a police officer in the hit BBC series Happy Valley.

Police said Mr Hammill was arrested after a woman in her 40s claimed he sexually assaulted her at an address in Lytham.

Lancashire Police said: ‘Following inquiries a man in his 40s from Doncaster was arrested on our behalf by South Yorkshire Police on 29 December. He was interviewed the same day and released on bail.

‘On 30 December we were informed by South Yorkshire Police that the man had sadly been found dead.

‘It has been decided to close our investigation and the victim has been informed.’

Frazer Hammill appears as a police officer in series one of Happy Valley

The incident was reported on December 17 and allegedly occurred three days earlier.

Probation officers told Doncaster Coroner’s Court the actor appeared to be in ‘good spirits’ as he left the police station on the day he was arrested.

Police reportedly had no concerns about his mental health or safety.

Officers and paramedics arrived at Mr Hammill’s flat just after 2pm but he could not be resuscitated and he was pronounced dead at 2.13pm.

Coroner Louise Slater said more notes were left for Mr Hammill’s family and friends following his arrest.

“I am convinced that this was a deliberate act and that Frazer put thought, planning and intent into his actions,” he concluded and offered his condolences to his loved ones.

Mr Hammill’s medical cause of death was recorded as ‘pending’.

The inquest was told Mr Hammill’s sister Caroline told her brother’s death had come as a ‘complete shock’ to the family.

Police said Mr Hammill was arrested after a woman in her 40s claimed he sexually assaulted her at an address in Lytham.

He told the court that no one was aware of the actor’s mental health problems or that he was ‘so depressed that he took his life’.

Caroline added that Mr Hammill was “happy in life” and “loved by his family, nieces and nephews”.

The John Godber Theater Company announced the news of Mr. Hammill’s death on Instagram in January, sharing an image of the late actor.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Fraser Hammill,” they wrote.

‘It is impossible to put into words how much we will miss him, for those of us who were so happy to work with him.

‘Frazer had a big loving heart and tremendous talent. We’re all heartbroken.’

Mr Hammill’s Emmerdale co-star Amy Walsh also paid tribute to the late actor following his death with a post saying ‘no words’ accompanied by broken heart emojis.

One of her former co-stars, Lamin Touray, wrote on social media at the time: ‘You were one of the most talented, funny, kind-hearted, loyal, compassionate, wise people I have ever met; “You taught me a lot.”

He added: ‘More than just a friend and colleague, you became family as one of the most talented actors.

‘You met my daughter a few weeks ago. You came to my house to watch the boxing match. My whole family loved you and always spoke highly of you!

‘You and I talked about our big plans for 2026. We set goals and objectives. ‘You were in a great place emotionally, career-wise, you were FLYING, but that wasn’t enough to keep you around.’

Theater Royal Wakefield said it was “saddened to hear of the death of Fraser Hammill.”