Oxfordshire Funeral Directors closed as police investigate
R&H Barker has premises in Wantage and Didcot.
Last updated 18th Apr 2024
Two premises that are run by an Oxfordshire funeral directors are being investigated by Thames Valley Police.
Their investigation centres around R&H Baker Funeral Directors in Wantage and Didcot.
Police say warrants were carried out at the two businesses, one on Harcourt Road in Wantage, and one on Wantage Road in Didcot on Sunday. These were carried out Sunday 14th April.
As a result of these warrants, officers are now working together with partners including Environmental Health, to investigate business practices at the sites.
They say "Our focus is on fraud offences and one offence of prevention of a lawful and decent burial."
Police tell us "We know this will be of concern to families and individuals who have used this business however we can confirm our enquiries into the prevention of a lawful and decent burial relates to one individual only, and we are working to contact their next of kin."
While the investigation is ongoing the funeral directors are unable to carry out any business.
Thames Valley Police have contacted the two families who were due to use the funeral services and are supporting them.
At this stage of the investigation the police say they have found no evidence of any criminal offence and no arrests have been made.