Bail for three arrested in ashes investigation

Three people have been arrested as part of the police investigation

Three people arrested as part of an investigation into the disposal of ashes at Lincoln Crematorium have been released on bail, Lincolnshire Police said.

The city council said it contacted the force after crematorium staff reported incidents where ashes were not buried "in accordance with the wishes of the families of the deceased".

A 52-year-old man, a 38-year-old man, and a 46-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The two men were also arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

Lincolnshire Police said the investigation "currently centres around one individual whose ashes could not be located yet the burial ceremony went ahead, witnessed by family members".

It added that the three people under arrest were still employed by City of Lincoln Council but were not currently in the workplace pending the investigations by both the council and police.

Ch Supt Kate Anderson described it as “a distressing case" for the affected family.

"We are doing everything we can to build the broader picture of understanding around what has happened, and our officers continue to examine all the circumstances around this case," she added.

City of Lincoln Council chief executive Angela Andrews said the council had launched an independent investigation

City of Lincoln Council chief executive Angela Andrews said she was "shocked and distraught" by the incident.

She said she had spoken to the families involved and the council had called in the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities to carry out an urgent inspection of the crematorium.

Independent experts

The council said it had brought in "experienced industry professionals" to support the operation of the crematorium

Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer said he shared “the concern of the public” over what he described as a “shocking incident".

“I have been assured that independent experts are now overseeing the running of the crematorium following action by the city council. That should give Lincoln residents confidence in its continued operation,” he added.

Mr Falconer called for reviews and investigations to be resolved “as quickly as possible” to ensure that “such distressing incidents can never happen again”.

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