Thom McLoughlin : Police Investigate Funeral Firm Meeting 163 Families for Ashes Disappearance

By | July 1, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Humberside Police have confirmed that they are currently visiting 163 families in connection with the repatriation of ashes, as part of an ongoing investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.

The authorities, along with support staff from Hull City Council and East Riding Council, have been conducting visits to families since last week. This comes after officers discovered 35 bodies and suspected human ashes at the funeral firm’s site on Hessle Road earlier this year.

Following the announcement of the investigation, families across Hull and East Yorkshire have been left grappling with the uncertainty of whether they have the ashes of their loved ones. Some have reported being informed that they have received incorrect remains.

Two individuals, a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of offences including prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation, and fraud by abuse of position. They are currently out on bail.

Support and Updates for Families

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin of Humberside Police stated on Monday that officers have been reaching out to the affected families to provide updates on the recovered ashes and arrange personal meetings. The aim is to offer support, discuss the process that has taken place, and explore the options available to the families.

McLoughlin emphasised that the well-being of the families is a top priority, and the information being shared is sensitive and private. Meetings with the families began last week and will continue with the presence of support staff from both councils to provide care and assistance.

Each family’s situation is unique, and some may choose to receive the ashes while others may not. There is no right or wrong decision, and the impact will vary for each family. The authorities are committed to supporting families through this challenging time.

If any families have not yet been contacted but feel affected by the investigation, they are encouraged to seek support from Victim Support’s 24-hour helpline on 0808 281 1136.

Continued Investigation and Support

Since the initial announcement of the investigation, Humberside Police have received over 2,000 calls related to the case. Many callers expressed concerns about the identification of their loved ones’ ashes.

McLoughlin confirmed the difficulty of identifying the human ashes using DNA profiles, which he acknowledged would be heartbreaking news for families. The police have been in touch with more than 700 families to provide updates and support.

Comprehensive inquiries have been conducted to identify and locate next of kin based on documentation found with individual ashes and at the funeral directors’ premises.

McLoughlin expressed gratitude to the families and the community for their understanding as the investigation progresses. He assured that the authorities would strive to provide answers and updates as the investigation unfolds.

For any further information or support, families are encouraged to reach out to the dedicated helpline or contact the police.

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