Woman, 23, 'no longer a suspect' in Legacy probe

Police responded to "concern for care of the deceased" at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hessle Road, Hull, in March

A 23-year-old woman arrested in connection with a major investigation into a Hull funeral directors is no longer being treated as a suspect, police have confirmed.

Humberside Police removed 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in March, following a report of "concern for care of the deceased".

The woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested on 9 March on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said the woman was released from bail "with no further action to be taken". The man remains on conditional bail.

The families of the 35 people whose bodies were found at Legacy's premises have been informed of the update

A 54-year-old woman, who was arrested in July on suspicion of money laundering offences, also remains on bail.

No charges have been brought in connection with the investigation.

Mr McLoughlin added: “This investigation is by far the most challenging and complex due to the vast number of people who have been affected, and who continue to try to come to terms with the grief and the enormity of what has happened.

“The families of the 35 deceased have been updated and contact made with other families who have been affected to advise of the update."

'Devastated families'

Mr McLoughlin said "every strand" of the investigation "carries an untold amount of grief, heartache and distress" for those affected, and updates would be provided when possible.

He added: “I want to offer my assurance that our dedicated investigation team continue to work tirelessly to gather and assess evidence, and work is continually ongoing in the preparation of our case file for submission to the CPS.

“I would please ask people to remember that at the heart of this investigation are devastated families, loved ones and friends, and getting them the answers and justice they desperately need and deserve will always remain our priority.”

In July, detectives revealed they had identified 163 families linked to ashes found at the funeral home on Hessle Road.

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