Legacy Funeral Directors: Woman, 23, no longer a suspect

‘COMPLEX’: Police at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

A woman arrested in the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors investigation is no longer a suspect, Humberside Police have revealed.

The 23-year-old was arrested in March on suspicion of prevention of a lawful burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position. However, she has now been released from bail with no further action.

A man, 46, arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful burial, fraud by false representation, fraud by abuse of position, theft, making or supplying articles for use in frauds and offences under the Financial Services Act remains on police bail.

A 54-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of money laundering also remains on police bail.

The force launched a major investigation in March after receiving a report of “concern for care of the deceased” at the company’s premises in Hessle Road and Anlaby Road in Hull, and at Beckside in Beverley.

As part of the inquiry, a total of 35 bodies were moved from the Hessle Road site.

Providing the latest update, Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said: “This investigation is by far the most challenging and complex due to the vast number of people who have been affected, and who continue to try to come to terms with the grief and the enormity of what has happened.

“We are at a stage now where we are in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and discussions have been taking place between specialist CPS lawyers and ourselves in respect of the investigation.

“Based on these discussions and on reviewing the evidence as part of the investigation, our senior investigating officer has made the decision that a woman arrested in March this year, is now no longer a suspect and has been released from bail with no further action to be taken.

“The families of the 35 deceased have been updated and contact made with other families who have been affected to advise of the update.

“Every strand of this investigation carries an untold amount of grief, heartache and distress for those who have been affected, and we will always provide updates as and when we are able to about the progression and next steps, after those who have been so deeply affected are informed first.

“A man arrested in March and a woman arrested in July, remain on conditional police bail as enquiries continue.

“I want to offer my assurance that our dedicated investigation team continue to work tirelessly to gather and assess evidence, and work is continually ongoing in the preparation of our casefile for submission to the CPS.

“I would please ask people to remember that at the heart of this investigation are devastated families, loved ones and friends, and getting them the answers and justice they desperately need and deserve will always remain our priority.”