Bodies of 35 people and human ashes recovered in Hull funeral firm police raid

Police have revealed the bodies of 35 people and suspected ‘human ashes’ have been recovered by officers during an investigation of a funeral directors in Yorkshire.

Humberside Police said the remains had been removed from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road in Hull and taken to the mortuary in the city, as part of the probe over “concern for care of the deceased”.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position have been been released on bail.

It comes after last week two of the funeral directors’ branches in Hull, including the one on Hessle Road and another in Beverley were cordoned off as concerns were raised about the “storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased”.

At a police press conference today, the force revealed the deceased have now been “respectfully transported to the mortuary in Hull” where procedures are being carried out to formally identify them.

It was also announced police found “a quantity of what we suspect to be human ashes” at the branch.

Deputy Chief Constable David Marshall said: “We are continuing to support the families involved through this extremely difficult and distressing time.”

Mr Marshall added: “This has been a truly horrific incident.”

He said families were “understandably distraught” and acknowledged that they had many questions that needed to be answered.

Mr Marshall said it was an “extremely complex and sensitive investigation” and pledged to put the “heartbroken families” at the core of the inquiry.

He said: “Many will be shocked, horrified and re-traumatised through grief following the disclosure of the facts of this case this week.”

A large number of police have been seen at the site, including forensics officers dressed in white protective suits.

A phone line has also been set up for anyone who is distressed or concerned about the case and police say it has so far received more than 1,000 calls had been received from concerned members of the public

The helpline can be contacted on 08081689111 and information about the funeral directors can be submitted on the force’s website at www.humberside.police.uk.