Police investigating the recovery of 35 bodies and suspected ashes of a number of others at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull say they have received a “significant number of calls” over suspected financial and fraudulent activity.
Speaking at a press conference in Hull, Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLaughlin, of Humberside Police, said: “Our specially-trained family liaison officers continue to support and update the families of the 35 deceased and we have also been in touch with a number of families regarding the ashes recovered from the premises.
“In addition, we have had a significant number of calls that relate to suspected financial and fraudulent activity. I have dedicated specialist investigation teams carrying out numerous inquiries and following up on various leads and information.”
Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLaughlin said “extensive work”, in consultation with the local HM coroner and the affected families, is continuing to fully identify the 35 deceased who were recovered from the Hessle Road site.
He said: “This is a lengthy process that has to follow the coroner’s regulations but, when complete, will provide families with complete assurance as to the identity of their loved ones and repatriation with their families.”
Mr McLoughlin said more than 2,000 calls had been received on the investigation’s dedicated phone line and “of those a significant number were understandably concerned about the identification of the ashes of their loved ones”.
He went on: “We have been working closely with forensic scientists and specialists to assess whether it was possible to extract DNA from the human ashes in order to identify them.
“While the expert opinion provides us with an assurance that the proper crematorium process had been followed, unfortunately given the high temperature required to carry out a cremation the DNA will have broken down and degraded to such a level that we would not be able to recover a meaningful DNA profile.
“This means that we are unable to identify any of the human ashes. This will, of course, be devastating news for families and loved ones, and you have my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.”
