Bodies moved from funeral directors in ‘complex’ police inquiry
ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS: Legacy Independent Funeral Directors
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Bodies are being moved from a funeral directors in an ongoing police investigation into “concern for care of the deceased”.
Cordons remain in place and officers in attendance at three premises of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, on Anlaby Road and Hessle Road, in Hull, and Beckside, in Beverley.
Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said: “We received a report on Wednesday, March 6, expressing concern about the storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased in these locations.
“Since the initial report was made, 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.
“Together, we have been conducting extensive enquiries to fully understand the circumstances and concerns expressed in the report made to us.
‘CONCERN’: Officers at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council are assisting Humberside Police in supporting affected families.
The number to call with information is 0800 051 4674 or, if calling from abroad, 0207 126 7619. Information can also be shared via Humberside Police’s Major Incident Portal (MIPP) here. A dedicated Victim Support help line has also been set up for anyone experiencing distress or concern, on 0808 16 89 111.