Two people were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of fraud and obstructing a legal burial after more than 30 bodies were removed from a funeral home in northern England, Humberside Police said.
The announcement comes after a five-day investigation at Legacy Funeral Directors’ three branches in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Assistant Detective Constable Tom McLaughlin said 34 bodies had been taken to a mortuary in Hull for identification.
Two people, a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of obstructing a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation, and fraud by abuse of position. The identities of the two suspects have not been released.
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Two people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and obstructing a legal burial after 34 bodies were removed from a Legacy Funeral Home branch in the north of England. (AP)
Police urged families who have lost loved ones to contact investigators if they have concerns, and said 350 people have contacted police since Friday.
Mr McLoughlin said: “Rest assured that our staff and officers are working around the clock to deal with the unprecedented inquiries that have arisen as a result of this incident.” “We recognize this is an extremely distressing time for everyone involved and the affected families continue to be supported by our Family Liaison Officers.”
The funeral home is family-run and has expanded since it was founded in 2010, according to its website. The website was last updated in 2021, when it said the service would continue despite the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. In the latest update, the company also revealed that it plans to open a fourth branch.
“As an independent funeral director, we have more flexibility and fewer restrictions than our competitors, allowing us to create a unique farewell for a loved one,” the website says. “This breadth of experience ensures that you and your family have access to the best service and care.”
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Police stand outside the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Home in Hull, England, on Saturday, March 9. (AP)
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This followed several incidents in the US where funeral home owners were arrested after dozens of dead bodies and cremated remains were found on their premises.
Last year, nearly 200 decomposing corpses were found piled up at a bug- and maggot-infested funeral home in Colorado. The owners of the funeral home are facing hundreds of charges, including abuse of a corpse. Prosecutors said some relatives received fake remains in place of their loved ones’ cremated remains.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
