Thom McLoughlin : “Police Probe Funeral Firm’s Ashes Scandal”

Humberside Police have launched a significant investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors following the removal of 35 bodies from the firm’s premises in Hull.

Authorities have confirmed that they are reaching out to 163 families in connection to the repatriation of ashes, as part of the ongoing inquiry into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. This effort involves officers from Humberside Police, along with support staff from Hull City Council and East Riding Council.

The investigation into the funeral directors was initiated after 35 bodies, as well as suspected human ashes, were discovered at the company’s site on Hessle Road in Hull earlier this year.

Since the commencement of the investigation, numerous families in Hull and East Yorkshire are left uncertain about the ashes of their loved ones. Some families have been informed that they possess the incorrect remains, adding to the distress of the situation.

Two individuals, 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. They are currently on bail as the investigation continues.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin of Humberside Police stated, “Officers from Humberside Police, in collaboration with support staff from Hull City Council and East Riding Council, will be commencing visits to 163 families regarding the repatriation of the ashes recovered from the Hessle Road premise.”

Mr McLoughlin further elaborated, saying, “Over the last two weeks, my officers have been making contact with the families identified as part of the investigation. This has been to provide an update on the recovered ashes and to arrange personal meetings with them to offer further support and discuss in detail the process that has transpired and the available options.”

He added, “We have refrained from providing this update publicly until initial contact could be made, as the families are our primary concern, and the information is personal and private to them.”

In April, Mr McLoughlin revealed that more than 2,000 calls had been received on the investigation’s dedicated phone line, with a substantial number expressing concerns about the identification of their loved ones’ ashes. He also confirmed the heartbreaking news that it was impossible to identify any of the human remains using DNA profiles.

He stated that officers have been in touch with over 700 families to provide updates on the latest scientific advice and offer support during this challenging time.