Hull funeral directors inquiry: Police return to site

Police have returned in numbers to a funeral directors, from where 34 bodies were removed following reports of "concern for care of the deceased".

The bodies were taken from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road, in Hull, to another mortuary in the city, Humberside Police said.

Eight police vehicles were parked at the premises, with a number of officers visible in and around the area.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman are in custody on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

A large number of police returned to the site on Monday morning, including forensics officers dressed in white protective suits, and the maritime protection unit.

Officers cordoned off three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors sites after the force received a report on Wednesday of concerns about the "storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased".

However, cordons have since been lifted from all three premises in Hessle Road and Anlaby Road in Hull, and Beckside in Beverley.

A direct line has been set up for anyone who may be affected.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said on Sunday that formal identification procedures were taking place on the deceased.

"The dedicated phone line remains open and has received over 350 calls from concerned members of the public since Friday," he said.

The force has set up two helpline numbers for anyone worried about the news - one from within the UK and one for people who are abroad.

"Each call we receive is being carefully handled and delicately assessed by a specialist team to ensure we have a thorough understanding of each family's circumstances.

"We will get back to each and every one of you as soon as we can."

He said staff were "working around the clock to deal with the unprecedented inquiries generated as a result of this incident" and affected families continued to be supported by family liaison officers.

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