Legacy Funeral Directors: MP calls for industry regulation

INVESTIGATION: Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road, Hull

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy is calling for all funeral directors to be brought under a regulatory system, as Humberside Police continue to investigate “concern for care of the deceased” at a city firm.

The force is investigating Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, which has premises on Hessle Road and Anlaby Road, in Hull, as well as Beckside, in Beverley.

A total of 35 bodies have now been removed from the company’s premises on Hessle Road to Hull mortuary. A quantity of what is believed to be human ashes has also been moved.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position have been released on police bail, as investigations continue.

Ms Hardy said: “Following the deeply upsetting revelations surrounding Legacy Funeral Directors, it emerged that funeral directors are unregulated and there is no system of statutory licensing or inspections in place. 

‘DEEPLY UPSETTING’: Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy

“Having spoken to government ministers, I am now calling for the process of bringing all funeral directors under a regulatory system to begin without delay, starting with a consultation.

“This would be the first step in ensuring that what has happened at Legacy will never be repeated.”

Humberside Police have set up a dedicated phone line which has so far received more than 1,000 calls from concerned members of the public since the investigation was launched on Friday.

There are 120 officers and staff working on the case, the force said.

In a statement, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison, whose role includes holding the police to account, said: “Firstly, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families involved and to anyone in our community affected by the recent events involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.

‘DEEPEST CONDOLENCES’: Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison

“In my role as Police and Crime Commissioner and holding the force to account, I would like to reassure you that I am working with the Chief Constable from Humberside Police to ensure the force are responding appropriately.

“I want to acknowledge with sincerity and sympathy the trauma and re-traumatisation that people will now be experiencing.

“We wish to help anyone who is experiencing concern or distress, and are working in partnership to develop specific support resources.

“Whilst these resources are being developed, Victim Support are here to provide emotional and practical support and help direct people into local specialist services.

“I wish to reiterate my sincere sympathies to the victims and their families at this difficult time.”

• The number to call with information that could help the investigation 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.