Police in Hull have removed 34 bodies from a funeral directors and arrested two people on suspicion of fraud, false representation and prevention of a lawful and decent burial. The deceased people were taken from one of the three branches of Legacy Funeral Directors in the city and have been transported to a mortuary for formal identification. The man arrested is 46 years old while the woman is aged 23. Humberside Police launched an investigation following a report on 3 March of concerns for the care of the dead.
A police cordon is in place at all three Legacy sites, which include an Anlaby Road branch as well as Beckside in Beverley. Families of the affected are being supported by a team of liaison personnel, with a dedicated phone line having reportedly received over 350 calls from the public since the arrests. Police are examining details of each case to ensure a full understanding of individual circumstances.
The investigation has prompted a statement from the British Institute of Funeral Directors confirming that “the vast majority of funeral directors take great pride in their work and care deeply about serving bereaved families in their time of need… The industry is highly regulated and has clear guidelines and expectations governing the care and dignity of the deceased.”
Legacy Funeral Directors is a family-run firm established in 2011, priding itself on its “caring, compassionate and professional” approach. Its website lists among its services those of “support and guidance throughout the funeral service,” including “arrangements for civil and religious funerals, traditional or alternative”.
The “prevention of a lawful and decent burial” crime that the individuals were arrested on suspicion of carries a maximum sentence of 10 years under UK law
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