23 March 2024 , 10:48
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Two suspects at the centre of a major probe into improper practices at a funeral parlour were arrested at Heathrow Airport after returning to the UK from a trip, police have revealed.
Police removed 35 bodies from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors' Hessle Road branch in Hull. Two people have since been arrested in connection to the probe and then bailed pending further enquiries. The company, which operates from two branches in Hull and one in Beverley in West Yorkshire, has been under investigation following concerns of "storage and management processes".
Humberside Police revealed the suspects, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were "transported back to Humberside" after being detained at the airport. The pair were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position. They remain on police bail pending further investigations.
Earlier this month, police said a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position. They have since revealed the pair were arrested at Heathrow Airport on March 9 after returning to the UK following a trip abroad.
David Marshall, Deputy Chief Constable at Humberside Police told a press conference earlier this month that he wanted to reassure the families and the public they are doing "everything we can" and a team of 120 officers were working on the case. He went on: "Firstly I want to express my sincere and deepest sympathy to the families of those affected and anybody else affected by the reports relating to the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors based in Hull, East Riding.
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"We are continuing to support the families involved through this extremely difficult and distressing time. This has been a truly horrific incident and understandably they are distraught and have many questions to be answered. I want to reassure them and the wider public that we are doing everything we can to give them that reassurance and the answers to the questions they desperately want.
A direct line has been set up for anyone who may be affected. Anyone who has used Legacy Independent Funeral Directors and has concerns is asked to call 0800 051 4674, or 0207 126 7619 if calling from abroad. Victim Support also has a dedicated telephone line – 0808 168 9111 – which is available to anyone who is experiencing distress or concern and would like advice and guidance.