Leading experts & Inspectors to manage Lincoln Crematorium for the foreseeable future
It comes as an investigation has been launched into a witnessed burial of ashes
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
City of Lincoln Council and Lincolnshire Police both announced separate investigations into reports at Lincoln Crematorium yesterday.
Three people arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office have now been released on Police bail while enquiries continue (30th July).
It's after it was alleged that a witnessed burial of ashes happened at the crematorium with loved ones present, despite the correct ashes not being located.
This is being investigated as a potential criminal offence, with five other reports of ashes not being dealt with “in accordance with the wishes of the families of the deceased” being looked into separately by City of Lincoln Council, but not Lincolnshire Police.
Angela Andrews, the Chief Executive at City of Lincoln Council, issued a frank apology to the affected families, saying the loved ones “did not receive the level of care and service they and their loved ones deserved, and rightly expected” from the local authority.
The council’s CEO said she was “shocked and distraught” at the incidents, and reiterated how “deeply sorry” the authority is over this issue.
City of Lincoln Council assures that there is “zero evidence” to suggest further incidents are yet to be discovered, but has set up a dedicated helpline for anyone seeking support or guidance on this issue (01522 873399).
What is a witnessed burial?
A witnessed burial is where the burial of ashes takes place with someone present, in this case the family of the deceased person, some time after the funeral service and cremation.
It is alleged that when this family arrived for the witnessed burial, ashes could not be found. However, some ashes were buried and it is not known who those ashes were or whether the intended ashes had been located.
Police are exploring the “exact circumstances” of the case, including “the specific nature of the witnessed burial of the ashes itself,” which will form the basis of this investigation.
A further five incidents are also being investigated separately by City of Lincoln Council as previously mentioned, but are not connected to the criminal investigation that the police are completing.
All incidents relate exclusively to Lincoln Crematorium and the Garden of Remembrance, which will remain open throughout the investigation for services to continue, but under the guidance of “independent external experts” while the authority deals with investigation.
City of Lincoln Council has ordered an immediate and full inspection of the facility by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.
While these investigations take place, both the council and the police have urged those with questions to not visit the Crematorium, so as not to disrupt or disturb ongoing ceremonies or services.
Back in the first week of May allegations came to light through the team at Lincoln Crematorium, alleging that “certain ashes” were not dealt with “in accordance with the family’s wishes.”
Internal investigation followed into these two separate incidents raised by staff members, with more evidence coming to light as the investigation progressed.
In late May cases were referred to police to explore possibility of criminal activity, with the council working alongside Lincolnshire Police on this matter.
Yesterday arrests were made and investigations made public by police and the council.
City of Lincoln Council is not commenting further to avoid speculation during live investigations, but will be able to provide updates “in due course.”
Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson of Lincolnshire Police said:
“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.”