Two people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into a funeral director following reports of “concern for care of the deceased”, police have said.
The man, 46, and woman, 23, were arrested this afternoon “on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.”
Police said 34 bodies have been “respectfully transported” from Legacy Funeral Directors in Hull to a mortuary where they will be formally identified.
ACC Thom McLoughlin from Humberside Police said: “We can confirm that a man, aged 46, and a woman, aged 23, have been arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position and remain in police custody at this time.
Police have been investigating Legacy since an initial report on March 6
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“As part of our investigation, as of today (Sunday March 10), we can confirm 34 deceased people have now been respectfully transported from Legacy Funeral Directors based on Hessle Road to the mortuary in Hull for formal identification procedures to take place.
“Since the report on Wednesday March 6, cordons remain in place at all three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors premises.
Police said they had received over 350 calls from “concerned members of the public” since Friday.
ACC McLoughlin continued: “Each call we receive is being carefully handled and delicately assessed by a specialist team to ensure we have a thorough understanding of each family’s circumstances.
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A police presence was also reported at the Anlaby Road branch of Legacy
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“Please be reassured that my staff and officers are working around the clock to deal with the unprecedented enquiries generated as a result of this incident.
“Families affected continue to be supported by family liaison officers at what we appreciate is an extremely distressing time for all involved.
“These officers are also 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.”
Police cordoned off three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors after receiving a report on Wednesday concerning the “storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased”.
Residents had reported police outside two branches of Legacy Funeral Directors – on Hull’s Hessle Road and Anlaby Road – on Thursday, Hull Live reported.
Officers remain in place at the two branches, as well as a third in Beverley.
ACC McLoughlin added: “On behalf of all of our police officers and staff, particularly today, on Mother’s Day, our thoughts remain with all families that have been affected because of this incident.
“I know many families will need and want much more information and we will continue to release updates as soon as we are able but cannot jeopardise the ongoing investigation in any way.
Legacy Funeral Directors on Hull's Hessle Road, where the investigation is underwayPA“May I take this opportunity to remind the public to show the upmost respect and privacy for any bereaved families and their loved ones within our community.”
Police encouraged “anyone who has used Legacy Independent Funeral Directors and has concerns” to call them on 0800 051 4674, or 0207 126 7619 if calling from abroad.