Full police statement on Hull funeral home investigation as officers confirm 'truly horrific' discovery

Police have released a full statement to the public as the investigation into a funeral directors where 35 bodies were removed due to worries about the care of the deceased continues.

The force discovered the bodies and what is believed to be a "quantity of human ashes" during their investigation into family business Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, which has branches in Hull and Beverley.

A man, 46, and a woman, 23, were arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful burial, fraud by false representation and abuse of position. They have since been bailed.

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The force launched its investigation last Wednesday, March 6, after receiving reports of concern about the “storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased”.

Humberside Police's chief investigating officers have spoken of the "extremely difficult and distressing time" families who were customers must be going through. One woman spoke out, describing the whole situation as a "living nightmare". Another said she feared she had kissed an empty casket while saying goodbye to her beloved father last year.

Legacy's branding has been seen being removed from its Berverley branch while the investigation continues. The following is the latest statement Humberside Police has released to the public.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said: “Firstly, I want to express my sincerest and deepest sympathies to the families involved and anyone affected by the reports relating to Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and East Riding.

“We are continuing to support the families involved through this extremely