Police are searching a chain of funeral parlours in Hull and the surrounding area after receiving a report of “concern for care of the deceased”.
A helpline has been set up for anyone worried about their loved ones’ treatment at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
Cordons were in place on Friday outside Legacy’s three branches in Hull and Beverley after Humberside police received a call on Wednesday evening expressing worries about how the dead were being treated there.
A senior officer urged the public to avoid speculation to protect potentially “heartbroken and devastated families”, as detectives worked to ascertain whether any offences had been committed at the premises.
“Numerous inquiries have already been carried out to ascertain the exact details, concern and circumstances,” Humberside police said in a statement. “There are currently police cordons in place and officers in attendance at three funeral service premises across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire following a report received of concern for care of the deceased at these locations.”
There are various ways in which a person can break the law in their treatment of a corpse, including preventing the lawful burial of a body, outraging public decency, perverting the course of justice and removing human tissue without consent.
DCS Simon Gawthorpe said: “Whilst we are in the very early stages of our investigation, I completely understand this information will be of concern to a number of families and individuals who have lost loved ones and have utilised the services of this business.
“We have already been in contact with a number of people as part of our investigation and working closely with His Majesty’s coroner, Hull city council and East Riding council to establish the facts.
“I would encourage anyone to please call us, as we are very mindful of the distress this may cause. A direct telephone line has been established for anyone who is worried or wants to speak to us about Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
“As we continue our inquiries to understand the precise nature of what may have occurred and if any criminal offences have taken place, I would please ask people to be respectful and refrain from speculation, as at the core of this investigation will potentially be heartbroken and devastated families and loved ones and we want to provide them with the consideration and support they need and are fully entitled to.”
Legacy Independent Funeral Directors has been contacted for comment.
The helpline number is 0800 051 4674, or 0207 126 7619 from abroad. Information can be submitted via Humberside police’s major incident portal.
