A distressing find at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull has led to a police investigation after 35 bodies and ashes were unexpectedly discovered, sparking outrage and calls for stricter industry regulation.
In Hull, a significant and distressing discovery at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors has shaken the local community and beyond. A woman, among others, has been left in shock after being informed by Humberside Police that her grandmother’s body might be one of the 35 bodies and ashes found at the funeral home. Initially believing to have her grandmother’s ashes since February, this revelation has caused profound distress.
Humberside Police, led by Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall, have described the find as a “truly horrific incident.” The investigation has led to the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of various offences, including the prevention of lawful burial and fraud, with both suspects subsequently released on bail.
The police have been actively working on the case, having set up a dedicated hotline that has received calls from over 1,000 grieving relatives. This outreach is part of a larger investigation effort by over 120 officers and staff aiming to identify the remains and provide support to the families affected.
The incident has ignited calls for increased regulation within the funeral industry. The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), which stressed that Legacy is not an affiliate, have both expressed concerns over the allegations and the need for enhanced oversight.
As the community grapples with the implications of these breaches in trust and care, the ongoing investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors promises to seek justice and answers for the families who have been entangled in this distressing situation.
