Police take bodies from funeral home after two people arrested
POLICE have arrested two people and removed 34 bodies from a funeral parlour over concern about the way the deceased were being cared for and stored.
A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were detained for questioning in Hull after an investigation was launched into the activities of three branches of the Legacy independent funeral directors.
The pair were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.
Humberside Police also said 34 bodies had been removed from branches of the undertakers and taken to a local mortuary, while more than 350 people have contacted a helpline set up for worried families.
Concerns were initially raised about the conduct of the Legacy funeral directors business last week. On Wednesday, police visited three branches of the firm on Anlaby Road and Hessle Road, in Hull and one in nearby Beverley.
As a result, a criminal investigation was launched, resulting in senior officers ordering that bodies were removed from the sites over the weekend.
Humberside Police’s 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, 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.
“Since the report on Wednesday, March 6, cordons remain in place at all three Legacy independent funeral directors premises. The dedicated phone line remains open and has received over 350 calls from concerned members of the public since Friday.
“We continue to encourage anyone who has used Legacy independent funeral directors and has concerns to call us on 0800 051 4674 or 0207 126 7619 if you are calling from abroad.”
On its website, the firm prided itself on “quality through care and respect” and said that it held “traditional funerals undertaken to meet your needs”.
It said it was “family owned and run” and that “we are an independent, family-owned business offering our clients an exceptional level of care and attention”.
The firm charges £970 for a cremation including transport and a simple coffin and £2799 for traditional funerals.
It was established in 2010 and said it was “proud to serve” communities in Hull and East Yorkshire and it provided a “dedicated and unsurpassed personal service” that would “create a unique
farewell for loved ones, with more flexibility and less constraint than our competitors”.
“With such breadth of experience, you and your family are assured the best service and care available,” it added.
The company’s accounts were overdue and it was due to be struck off the register, according to documents on Companies House this week.
In the financial year up to April 2022, it turned over £74, 450, made a profit of £5,000 and had two employees. Police acknowledged that coming on Mother’s Day, the news would be upsetting for anyone who might be affected.
“Each call we receive is being carefully handled and delicately assessed by a specialist team to ensure we have a thorough understanding of each family’s circumstances,” Mr Mcloughlin added.
“We will get back to each and every one of you as soon as we can.
“Please be reassured that my staff and officers are working around the clock to deal with the unprecedented inquiries generated as a result of this incident. Families affected continue to be supported by family liaison officers at what we appreciate is an extremely distressing time for all involved.
“These officers are also 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.
“Victim support also has a dedicated telephone line which is available to anyone who is experiencing distress or concern and would like advice and guidance.”
Mr Mcloughlin added: “On behalf of all of our police officers and staff, particularly today, on Mother’s Day, our thoughts remain with all families that have been affected because of this incident. I know many families will need and want much more information and we will continue to release updates as soon as we are able but cannot jeopardise the ongoing investigation in any way.
“May I take this opportunity to remind the public to show the utmost respect and privacy for any bereaved families and their loved ones within our community.”
A spokesman for the National Association of Funeral Directors said the firm was not a member of its association.
‘Particularly today, on Mother’s Day, our thoughts remain with all families that have been affected’