Vigil held for relatives affected by Hull funeral director investigation
35 bodies were recovered from sites belonging to the funeral director
Last updated 24th Mar 2024
A vigil has taken place for the families affected by the ongoing police investigation into a funeral director in Hull.
Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is being looked into by officers after 35 bodies were recovered in sites belonging to the company.
This raised questions over the "care of the deceased", as many of the bodies were not being treated appropriately, according to Humberside Police.
In the Hull Minster on Saturday (March 23rd), well-wishers and those affected by the probe itself came together to reflect and light candles for those who died and have been treated by the director.
Many came to gather with others who were also affected, sharing stories of their loved ones - whose bodies were found at the business on Hessle Road in the city.
Speaking in an interview, the Bishop of Hull, Rt Rev Dr. Eleanor Sanderson said that there was a need to feel the pain and grief together so those going through the investigations do not feel alone.
"We wanted to find a safe and private place that people could come together to find solace with other and to honour their lost loved ones," Dr. Sanderson said.
"What we want to do is to provide dignity and honour to those that we've lost and to each other as we grieve."
Several deceased loved ones are continuing to go through anguish, as a quantity of ashes were discovered in the investigation, leaving loved ones wondering how the deceased were treated by the undertakers.
Labour MP for Hull West and Hessle Emma Hardy also attended the vigil and paid tribute to those in their period of mourning, praising the community for banding together to support the people affected.
"Very sadly, lots of other people in the community are struggling with this and I hope that the vigil will offer them that comfort and that sense of togetherness," she explained.
Two people - a 23-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man - were arrested by police upon landing at Heathrow Airport, before being transferred to Humberside Police for questioning.
Following enquiries, the two people have been released on bail - with detectives appealing to the public to "be patient" as the investigate all lines of enquiry.