09 March 2024 , 19:57
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Bodies have been removed from a funeral home in Hull following an investigation into the care given to the deceased.
Humberside Police are investigating Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and the nearby town of Beverley, with three branches sealed off by officers on Friday. The force confirmed on Saturday that a number of the deceased people inside one of the homes had since been removed.
The force said they were also working with coroners and the council as part of the probe. Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said the investigation was launched after a tip-off on Wednesday about “the storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased in these locations".
“Since the initial report was made on Wednesday, 6 March, teams of highly skilled detectives and specially trained staff from Humberside Police have been working closely with partner agencies, including Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and His Majesty’s Coroner," he said.
Police outside the funeral home in Hull (Submitted)“Together we have been conducting extensive enquiries 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. “
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Police outside one of the Hull branches of a funeral directors under investigation (PA)Two helplines have since been set up for those worried about the news, including one for relatives and loved ones living abroad. Humberside said it had already been flooded with calls, and reiterated for anyone who had used the directors to get in contact.
Assistant Chief Con McLoughlin added: “We have already received a number of calls from concerned members of the public and I want to offer my personal reassurance that we are working as hard as possible to make direct contact with each and every family that may have been affected by the concerns reported.
Two helplines have since been set up for those worried about the news (PA)“This is a very complex investigation, with heartbroken and devastated families at the core of it, and we are determined to make sure that we keep the families involved at the heart of everything we are doing. We will continue to release updates as and when we are able, but we do need to be mindful not to jeopardise ongoing investigations and we ask that people refrain from speculating and show the utmost respect for bereaved families within our community.”
Mirror has contacted Legacy Independent Funeral Directors for comment.
- Have you been affected by the investigation into Legacy? Get in touch at [email protected]