Third person arrested in missing ashes investigation

A woman has been arrested in connection with an investigation into a funeral directors where ashes are alleged to have gone missing.

A Milne Funeral Directors is also being investigated by Police Scotland over allegations of financial mismanagement.

Officers searched residential properties in Springburn and Bishopbriggs and seized a number of "relevant" items.

The woman, 37, was later released pending further investigation.

A 55-year-old woman and 56-year-old man were arrested in July before being released pending investigations.

Officers launched a probe - called Operation Koine - into the business after several families reported concerns over their ashes and allegations of financial misconduct were made.

A. Milne's Dumbarton branch was closed last year while the Springburn branch, on Balornock Road, was still registered as operating in March.

However it has remained closed since the police investigation began.

Police searched A. Milne Funerals Ltd's office in Springburn in May and recovered 19 containers with ashes days after eight urns were handed over to Argyll and Bute Council.

Later that month, the firm was expelled by the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Det Sgt Kieran Bewick said: “This is a very complex investigation which has had a big impact on those families affected.

“I would like to thank the public for their assistance so far.

"Our inquiries into this sensitive and emotive case remain ongoing and I would encourage anyone with any information on this case to contact us."