Three arrested after investigation launched into ashes burial at Lincolnshire Crematorium

An investigation has been launched in Lincoln after reports the ashes of a person who had been cremated were not handled in accordance with the family’s wishes.

Three people are in custody and being questioned by detectives.

Police say their investigation centres around one individual whose ashes could not be located yet the burial ceremony went ahead, it relates only to Lincoln Crematorium.

The family affected have been met by the police and City of Lincoln Council to explain what they are investigating.

The City of Lincoln Council has requested an urgent inspection of the facility by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, and its own internal investigation separate to the policing one has been launched.

Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson said: “We know what a distressing case this will be for the family affected, and they are the people we are keeping in our minds as we progress this investigation. They wish to deal with this matter as privately as possible, and we ask that those wishes are respected by media and others who might want to talk about the case online.

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