Legacy Funeral Directors: New support line launched

‘CONCERN FOR CARE OF DECEASED’: Humberside Police at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Anlaby Road, Hull

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

A new support line has been launched for anyone affected by the ongoing police investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.

Humberside Police are investigating “concern for care of the deceased” at the company, which has premises on Hessle Road and Anlaby Road in Hull, and Beckside, in Beverley.

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

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

Victim Support has now opened a dedicated helpline and support service for those affected.

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

It is being run by the charity in liaison with Humberside Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Hull City Council and East Riding Council to provide timely support and personalised assistance to anyone worried about the case.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said: “The helpline that has been established will be able to provide additional support and care for a range of concerns and worries people understandably have, and I would encourage anyone who feels they need to speak to someone and talk through their concerns to please get in touch.

“The investigation continues to be multifaceted and highly complex, with over 2,000 calls now received into the initial phone line we set up, and numerous lines of enquiry being carried out, which includes work around any suspected financial and fraudulent activity.

“Our dedicated family liaison officers continue to support all the families of the 35 deceased, and we have a specialist investigation team for those more widely effected in relation to suspected fraudulent activity and the ongoing management of the recovered ashes of loved ones.

“I would like to say a personal thank you to the families, as well as to others who have been affected, for their patience and understanding as we continue to investigate.”

Debbie Harding, Victim Support area manager for the Humber, said: “Victim Support is committed to supporting those impacted by this distressing incident.

“We have fully trained staff available to listen to concerns and ensure those affected are provided with the very best support, either through our own services or those of trusted partners locally. We want those affected to know that they are not alone and that support is available.”

Julia Weldon, director of public health at Hull City Council, said: “With our partners, we have worked hard to ensure this helpline will truly help people. We know there will be both practical and emotional needs and we’ve worked together to develop clear pathways to get people where they need to be.

“One of the most important things was ensuring this process was as joined up as possible, to prevent people who call from telling their story over and over again to different people in different services. Those who call can be reassured partners are working together to make sure calling and accessing help is as easy as possible.”

Andy Kingdom, director of public health at East Riding Council, said: “We have worked closely with colleagues in a number of other organisations to ensure those affected by this incident are provided with the best possible support. We understand that this traumatic event will have touched many of our residents and we want to ensure that their needs are met.

WORKING TOGETHER: Julia Weldon, director of public health at Hull City Council

“Anyone who has been affected should consider using this service, where trained professionals will be on hand to provide information and pastoral care.”

Chief executive at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Rachel Cook, added: “The office has provided a direct award to Victim Support to supplement the existing service we have in place for those affected by crime. 

“The additional funding allows for a specific helpline to ensure those affected by can be best supported, aligning with partners where appropriate but importantly giving people an independent source of support”.

• The new dedicated helpline number is 0808 281 1136.