After unearthing 35 bodies and “human ashes” at a funeral home, investigators have now passed their evidence to prosecutors to consider bringing charges.
Last year authorities unearthed 35 bodies at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road, Hull, with what was believed to be human ashes. After being arrested in a ‘meticulous’ 10-month investigation by Humberside Police, two people are on police bail, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said: “The families of the 35 deceased have been informed by specialist-trained officers of this significant development and contact has also been made with other families affected.
“The investigation has been comprehensive and lengthy as we have diligently and sensitively handled each line of enquiry with the families who have suffered an untold amount of grief, heartache and distress.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the families, together with the wider community for their unwavering patience and co-operation. Their support has been invaluable as we have gathered information in the hope of seeking the answers they want and deserve, for them, and their loved ones.
“At this time, a man arrested in March and a woman arrested in July remain on conditional police bail.”
The senior officer added: “In consultation with the CPS, we remain committed to keeping those families affected at the heart of this investigation and we will look to provide further updates about the progression of the case and the next steps, after those who have been so deeply affected have been informed.”
Scores of families have been given devastating news since the investigation began in March with bereaved relatives across Hull and East Yorkshire left questioning whether they have the ashes of their loved ones, with many saying they have been told they definitely have the wrong remains.
Earlier this year, Humberside Police announced they had been visiting 163 families regarding ashes. A 46-year-old man arrested in March was held on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent 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.
A 54-year-old woman arrested later was detained on suspicion of money laundering. Another woman, who was 23 at the time of her arrest in March, was later released from bail with police stating she was no longer being treated as a suspect.
In April, Humberside Police reported that more than 2,000 calls on the investigation’s dedicated phone line had been received “of those a significant number were understandably concerned about the identification of the ashes of their loved ones”.
They also confirmed that identifying any of the human ashes through DNA profiles was impossible – a revelation described as “devastating news for families and loved ones”. A dedicated helpline has been set up for those affected, which can be reached at 0808 281 1136.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletterhere..