Hull funeral directors swarmed by more police after 34 bodies removed in probe

11 March 2024 , 16:01

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A number of police cars were seen outside Legacy Independent Funeral Directors (Image: PA)

Several police cars have been seen swarming funeral homes from which 34 bodies were earlier removed over fears of improper handling.

Yesterday (Sunday, March 10), Humberside Police revealed a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of the prevention of a lawful and decent burial. The move came after officers swooped on three branches of the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and Beverley, East Yorkshire, on Friday.

Thirty four bodies were removed and police revealed they were in the process of identifying remains. The three branches remained sealed off over the weekend, as officers said they were "working around the clock" to deal with enquiries.

Today (Monday, March 11), at least eight cars were seen parked outside the branch outside the branch in Hessle Road.

Probes into the business is ongoing (PA)

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said earlier: “We can confirm 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.

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Police and forensic officers outside the business (PA)

“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. Since the report on Wednesday 6 March, cordons remain in place at all three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors premises."

Cordons remain erected near the area (PA)

ACC McLoughlin said the force had already been flooded with more than 350 calls relating to the investigation. He added: “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. We will get back to each and every one of you as soon as we can.

Police have received hundreds of calls relating to the incident so far (MEN)

“Please be reassured my staff and officers are working around the clock to deal with the unprecedented enquiries 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.

34 bodies were removed from the business (MEN)

“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.”

The Mirror has contacted Legacy for comment.

Antony Clements-Thrower