Unidentified containers found at parlour in missing ashes probe

Police Scotland discovered 19 containers of ashes at the Balornock road offices, including five which remain unidentified

Police investigating a Glasgow funeral directors have discovered 19 containers of ashes - including five which have yet to be identified.

The containers were recovered from A Milne Funeral Directors office in Springburn as part of an investigation into missing ashes and allegations of financial misconduct.

It comes following confirmation last week that eight containers of ashes had been recovered at the funeral director's office.

Glasgow City Council said it will seek direction from the Scottish government inspector on burials, cremations and funeral directors on how to handle the five unidentified caskets.

A Milne Funeral Directors have been under investigation after several families reported concerns over ashes.

Allegations of financial misconduct have also been made.

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

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said some of the ashes have been returned to the crematoria, where the cremations took place, to allow families to be contacted.

He said: "During the clearance of a funeral director’s former premises on Balornock Rd, 19 caskets of ashes were found and removed for safe keeping.

“Five caskets are as yet unidentified and we will require direction from the Scottish Government Inspector on Burials, Cremations and Funeral Directors on the approach to take with these four caskets.

“Anyone who has queries about ashes should contact the crematorium where the cremation took place.

“As this matter is the subject of a police investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”