Police ‘unable to identify any human ashes’ in Legacy Funeral Directors probe

UPDATE: Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin, centre, with Julia Weldon, left, from Hull City Council, and Angela Dearing from East Riding Council

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Police investigating care of the deceased at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors are unable to identify any of the human ashes recovered in the inquiry – a development they acknowledged would be “devastating” for people affected.

In a four-week investigation update, Humberside Police also said they were continuing to formally identify “the 35 deceased who were recovered from the Hessle Road site”, but once the process is completed they will be able to “provide families with complete assurance as to the identity of their loved ones and repatriation with their families”.

A dedicated phone line to respond to concerns from members of the public has had more than 2,000 calls.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin, who is leading the inquiry, told a press conference today: “Since the start of the investigation our dedicated phone line has received over 2,000 calls from concerned members of the public. Of these a significant number were understandably concerned about the identification of the ashes of their loved ones so that repatriation with their families can take place.

“We have been working closely with forensic scientists and specialists to assess whether it was possible to extract DNA from the human ashes in order to identify them.

“Whilst the expert opinion provides us with reassurance the proper crematorium process has been followed, unfortunately, given the high temperature required to carry out a cremation, the DNA will have been broken down and degraded to such a level that we would not be able to recover a meaningful DNA profile.

“This means that we are unable to identify any of the human ashes. This will, of course, be devastating news for families and loved ones and you have my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.”

More than 700 families were contacted by officers from the investigation team last weekend to update them on the scientific advice and offer support, Mr McLoughlin said.

Public protection teams from Hull and East Riding Councils have now visited all funeral directors operating in the area.

Angela Dearing, director of housing, transport and public protection at East Riding Council, said: “Over three weeks we have visited 50 premises to review compliance with health and safety regulations, operational procedures and care of the deceased, and to offer support and advice to businesses.

“While the sector is not formally regulated nationally, the visits were an opportunity for us to look at a number of key areas of funeral directors’ business. These voluntary visits were conducted in partnershp with funeral directors in order to give reassurances to customers and our local funeral directors.

“All the businesses we visited were receptive if any advice or suggestions were made.”

INVESTIGATION: Police at the Hessle Road premises of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull

She added: “It is very clear from our visits that the ongoing incident at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is in no way typical of the funeral industry in our area.”

Julia Weldon, director of public health and deputy chief executive at Hull City Council, said: “I also wanted to let you know that we are working alongside the family liaison officers at Humberside Police to support families at the centre of this incident.

“Our message to them is that when they are ready to discuss funeral arrangements they do not need to worry about the costs.”

This applies to funerals for the 35 deceased.

The investigation was launched a month ago after the force received a report of “concern for the storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased in the premises”.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested in connection to the investigation remain on police bail.

• Victim Support has launched a new helpline for anyone affected by the incident, which is open 24 hours a day. The number is 0808 281 1136.