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Hundreds of people whose loved ones are at undertakers where 34 bodies were removed after ‘concerns for care of the deceased’ have contacted a helpline set up for worried families.
More than 350 people made contact with the support line after concerns were raised about the conduct of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors last week.
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A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position, Humberside Police have said.
This comes after the 34 bodies were removed from the premises and taken to the mortuary in Hull.
Humberside Police are investigating Legacy funeral directors after a report over concerns about ‘storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased’.
There is still a police presence with cordons at the company’s three branches in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Residents told of police first arriving outside Legacy Funeral Directors in Anlaby Road and Hessle Road, both in Hull, at about 3am on Thursday 7 March – and officers remain at both branches, as well as one in Beverley.
A number of bodies have been removed from the premises on Hessle Road in Hull to the local authority mortuary in Hull, Humberside Police said, while a direct line has been set up for anyone who might be affected.
Assistant chief constable Thom McLoughlin said: ‘We can confirm that a man aged 46 and a woman aged 23 have been arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position and remain in police custody at this time.
‘As part of our investigation, as of today (Sunday 10 March), we can confirm 34 deceased people have now been respectfully transported from Legacy Funeral Directors based on Hessle Road to the mortuary in Hull for formal identification procedures to take place.’
The investigation began after reports on Wednesday expressing concern about the storage and management of the deceased in three branches of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
As part of the investigation, teams of skilled detectives and specially trained staff from Humberside Police have been investigating.
Assistant chief constable McLoughlin said: ‘Together we have been conducting extensive inquiries to fully understand the circumstances and concerns expressed in the report made to us.
‘As part of this, we are now in the process of moving a number of deceased from the premises on Hessle Road in Hull to the local authority mortuary in Hull.
‘Specially trained family liaison officers have already seen families involved and will continue to do so.
‘These officers are working closely with our partners to ensure that families are provided with the most appropriate care and support for their personal circumstances whilst our investigation continues.’
Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have also been helping Humberside Police in supporting affected families.
The Beverley branch, the smallest, is located on the corner of a residential street on the outskirts of the town.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
