Hull funeral probe: Anger over police chief claims

Paul Anderson announced plans to retire on Tuesday before an investigation into allegations of misconduct was confirmed

Families at the centre of a major investigation into a Hull funeral directors say they feel "insulted" after reports of alleged comments made by the chief constable of Humberside Police.

Paul Anderson announced his retirement on Tuesday before allegations of misconduct were confirmed by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

A national media report suggested the allegations included comments claimed to have been made by Mr Anderson about the inquiry into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, where 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes were found in March.

Humberside Police said it would "cooperate fully" with the IOPC investigation and "it would not be appropriate" to comment further.

In a message to families from the police, seen by the BBC, they were told the force would "continue to do everything" to get justice in the Legacy case.

The message also made reference to the allegations made in the national media and said it would have "no impact" on the Legacy inquiry.

Police began investigating Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on 6 March

Tristan Essex, whose grandmother Jessie Stockdale was among 35 bodies found at the funeral home in Hessle Road, said he was shocked by the report but "not surprised".

He said: "This adds further insult to our trauma. We are not surprised. Our loved ones have never been treated with dignity".

Another woman, who is a relative of one of the 35 and asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC: "We didn’t expect it from someone who is supposed to be protecting us.

"If we can’t trust the police, who can we trust?"

Humberside Police said: "We are aware of the IOPC investigation and will cooperate fully as required.

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment further whilst the investigation is under way."

'Thorough investigation'

The allegations against Mr Anderson were sent to the Police and Crime Commissioner on Wednesday 12 June and then referred to the IOPC on Monday 24 June after initial inquiries.

On Wednesday, the IOPC said the allegations were "largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues".

It added: "We will now conduct a thorough investigation, independently of the police, into the matters brought to our attention."

Officers have been investigating Legacy Independent Funeral Directors since 6 March after receiving a report of "concern for care of the deceased".

The force has said formal identification of 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes removed from the firm's premises on Hessle Road in Hull "has now concluded".

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, who were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position, remain on bail.

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