Arrests in disposal of human ashes investigation

City of Lincoln Council said it contacted police after staff at the crematorium raised concerns

Three people have been arrested in an investigation into the disposal of ashes at Lincoln Crematorium.

City of Lincoln Council said they contacted police after staff "reported six incidents where they believe some co-workers have not dealt with the burial of ashes 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 had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Lincolnshire Police said.

Both men have also been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, the force added.

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".

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

"We also realise how upsetting it will be for others who have lost loved ones to hear about this investigation," she said.

"And 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.

"I know how many questions there will be around this case, and as soon as we have more information that we can share, we will do so.

"While our detectives investigate, my ask of you is that you do not to speculate about what has happened.”

The crematorium is undergoing an independent investigation, the council said

The council said it had called in the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities to carry out an urgent inspection of the crematorium.

Council chief executive Angela Andrews said she was "shocked and distraught".

She said she had spoken to the families believed to be involved in the six incidents.

"They were let down at a time when they needed the high level of dedication and professionalism that our crematorium team has always been proud to provide," Ms Andrews said.

'Unwitnessed burials'

Ms Andrews told BBC Look North that an internal investigation into the allegations began in May.

She said the five cases not being investigated by the police involved "unwitnessed burials".

"We've got five instances where we believe that those ashes haven't been buried in that exact spot, in accordance with the the families wishes," she said.

"They're in the Garden of Remembrance, but they've been put in different spot."

She added that some disciplinary action was taken against staff involved.

The authority said the crematorium continued to operate as usual and that support information was available on its website.

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