Investigation Underway After Suspected Fraud and Improper Handling of Deceased at Legacy Funeral Directors

Humberside Police have confirmed that all families of the 35 bodies discovered at the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road in Hull have now been contacted. The funeral home has come under intense scrutiny after officers recovered multiple bodies and what are believed to be human ashes from the site.

The police investigation into the matter began after concerns were raised on March 8 regarding the handling and storage of the deceased at the funeral parlour. As part of the ongoing probe, two individuals—a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman—have been arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful and decent burial, fraud, and abuse of position. Both have been released on bail while investigations continue.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin stated that while formal identification of the bodies is still underway, all 35 families have been notified. He described the situation as “tragic” and noted that officers are continuing to support the affected families during this challenging time.

The police also clarified that the funeral home’s premises had been thoroughly searched by specialist teams, although a cordon remains in place around the area. Authorities are also collaborating with experts from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to verify whether human ashes recovered during the investigation belong to the deceased.

The discovery has left families devastated. One woman, whose grandmother was allegedly among the deceased, revealed her shock after learning that the ashes she had received in February might not belong to her grandmother. She recalled receiving what she thought were her grandmother’s remains, only to be later informed that her grandmother’s body was found at the funeral home. Another grieving family member expressed similar anguish, suspecting that her father may not have even been in the coffin at his funeral.

This case has sparked outrage and deep emotional distress among families who are now left questioning the integrity of the funeral services they entrusted their loved ones to. Many are grappling with the uncertainty of whether their deceased family members were properly handled and whether they received the remains they had paid for.

The funeral home is owned by Robert Bush, as per public records, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with further concerns or information to contact their Major Incident Portal.