An MP has said she is ‘extremely shocked’ after police raided three funeral homes in Hull over concerns for the ‘care of the deceased’.
Three branches of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire are currently being investigated after officers received a report of ‘concern for care of the deceased at these locations’.
Inquiries ongoing into whether any criminal offences have been committed at the branches, which include sites on Anlaby Road and Hessle Road, both in Hull, another site in Beverley.
Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, revealed her shock after hearing about the police probe, saying her ‘heart goes out to all the worried family members’.
She reminded members of the public ‘it is important’ not to speculate about the nature of the probe, adding ‘the present focus is the investigation’.
Police outside the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull after launching an investigation into the company over reports of ‘concern for care of the deceased’
Two officers are pictured outside the Hessle Road Branch in Hull. Police said earlier that a cordon has been put in place around two other branches as well
orensic investigators have also been pictured at the scene on Hessle Road
The Labour MP said on Facebook on Friday: ‘I am extremely shocked to have been made aware that an investigation is taking place into a funeral directors in my constituency.
‘My heart goes out to all of the worried family members and loved ones. I can only imagine the distress and devastation that you will be feeling.
‘I have already spoken to the police and the Chief Executive of Hull City Council. I understand that the present focus is on a police investigation and believe it’s important not to speculate at this time, or do anything that may jeopardise its findings.
‘If you believe that you may have been affected, it is important that you contact the police on 0800 051 4674 or if you’re calling from abroad please call 0207 126 7619 as they will be able to offer help and support in the first instance.
‘If you are affected, be assured that I’m always here to support you and will do anything I can to help during this incredibly difficult time. I can be contacted at [email protected] and I will get back to you.’
At least six marked police vehicles were in attendance at the Hessle Road branch today, including a major incident unit and three crime scene investigation vans.
Forensic investigators have also been pictured at the scene.
Two police cars could be seen outside the Anlaby Road branch on Saturday, while one officer was spotted stood outside a branch in Beckside, Beverley.
Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, revealed her shock after hearing about the police probe, saying her ‘heart goes out to all the worried family members’
A police parked with a major incident unit outside a Legacy Independent Funeral Directors branch on Hessle road in Hull
At least six marked police vehicles were in attendance at the Hessle Road branch today
A forensic investigator speaks with a police officer outside the Hessle Road funeral directors
One police officer was spotted stood outside a branch in Beckside, Beverley
Police outside the Beckside branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors
A police van has also been seen outside the Anlaby Road branch
Police outside the Anlaby Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull
Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Gawthorpe said on Friday: ‘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.
‘The number you can call is 0800 051 4674 or if you’re calling from abroad please call 0207 126 7619 or you can submit information through our Major Incident Portal (MIPP).
‘As we continue our enquiries 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.’