Oldham funeral directors react to 'horrific' Hull investigation

Humberside Police removed the bodies of 35 people and the suspected ashes of several others from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull on Monday (March 12) following reports of "concern for care of the deceased".

The force said officers are now tasked with investigating a "truly horrific incident" and pledged to put the "heartbroken families" of those affected at the core of its investigation.

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A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

The pair have been bailed with Humberside Police assistant chief constable Thom McLoughlin stating on Tuesday (March 12) that the force had received more than 1,000 phone calls from the public with their concerns.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall and Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin of Humberside Police (Image: PA Media)

Michael Lindup, the funeral director and manager of Harold P. Heywood in Failsworth, whose family also runs Wild & Brierley and T Collins funeral services in Oldham and Lees, issued urgent reassurance in a post on social media.

Mr Lindup said: "In light of the recent media reports concerning the allegations regarding the conduct and standards of a funeral service in Hull, we would like to reassure you as a family that we take the greatest care and security of all the loved ones in our safe keeping."

Michael Lindup and his family were crowned the most compassionate funeral directors in Greater Manchester (Image: Michael Lindup)

The director, whose company was crowned the "most compassionate funeral services provider" for Greater Manchester last year, also called for better regulation in the industry and offered his reassurance to grieving families in the borough.

He continued: "Regulation on the funeral sector has started and more will be coming which is much needed, but as it does come, we promise to you that we work day and night to improve on the already high standards we set.

"As many of you will know from using our services, we emphasise that it is our privilege to be looking after your family members and that each and every family member who enters our care will be treated as if they were our family.

"Looking after people's loved ones is a mindset and one that you must dedicate your life to.

"It takes a person who truly cares and truly wants to make a difference - and rest assured we do."

The empathetic call comes as Mr Lindup has been campaigning for a public 'post box to heaven' in Hollinwood Cemetery.

The idea was inspired by Matilda Handy, a then nine-year-old girl in Nottingham, who set up a post box in her local cemetery to send letters to her late grandparents, 

Speaking to The Oldham Times, Mr Lindup said he would like to see something similar in Oldham to give those grieving "a bit of comfort."

Oldhamers have also been touched by the company's effort to reassure the community with many commending the family for their "professionalism" and "exceptional" care and kindness during the most difficult times in their lives.

A woman wrote: "We as a family have always used Wild and Brierley, going back to the 1950s and maybe before.

"We wouldn't trust anyone else with our loved ones."

Another added: "I trusted you with the most important man in my life and I would never trust anyone but you.

"You made us feel safe, protected and reassured at all times. I feel like you treated our dad as though he was your own family member."

Residents also said they will be "forever grateful" for the service they received through the company's care as many described the family as "caring", "loving" and "respectful". 

"I could not have coped without the care you showed myself and my family throughout the most stressful and saddest times of our lives", another wrote.