In a disturbing series of events in Hull, police investigations at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors have unveiled a grievous mishandling of deceased individuals, causing widespread consternation among families and the community. During raids at the funeral home’s branches, including locations on Hessle Road and Anlaby Road in Hull, and in Beverley, authorities discovered 35 bodies and what are suspected to be human ashes. This troubling discovery has raised serious questions regarding the care and final resting places of those who were supposed to have been cremated.

Among the heartrending stories is that of a widow who had anticipated turning her husband’s ashes into jewellery, only to find months later that his body had remained in a freezer, uncremated. This revelation has also shocked her daughter and granddaughter, who believed they had already received his ashes. The situation was further complicated when a family friend disclosed that the widow had been informed about the possibility of her husband’s body being kept frozen under the coroner’s direction.

Amid these shocking developments, Billie-Jo Suffill, a resident of Hull, has voiced her fears that her father Andy Suffill, who passed away in July 2022, may not have been in his coffin at the funeral. This has led her to question the legitimacy of the funeral service, amplifying the distress experienced by many other families in similar predicaments.

As the community grapples with the repercussions of these findings, the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors has distanced itself from Legacy, affirming that the funeral director has never been part of their organisation. They, alongside other funeral homes like A & A Walters, have moved to reassure the public of their commitment to ethical practices and the respectful handling of the deceased, highlighting their adherence to strict protocols.

Humberside Police, who have made two arrests — a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman in connection to the investigation, are urging individuals with concerns about the services they received from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors to come forward. Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall has committed to working tirelessly to ascertain the full scope of the malpractice and provide necessary support to the bereaved families during this profoundly distressing period.

As investigations continue, the incident has cast a shadow over funeral services in Hull, prompting a call for clarity, accountability, and reassurance that such grave misconduct does not recur in the industry.