Lincolnshire Police launch investigation into burial of ashes at Lincoln Crematorium operated by City of Lincoln Council
Three people have been arrested as part of an investigation into a burial of ashes - even though the ashes couldn’t be located.
A 52-year-old man, a 38-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, as part of an investigation into allegations of a witnessed burial of ashes taking place, despite the ashes not being located, and five other burial of ashes-related claims. The two men were also arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
The investigation relates solely to Lincoln Crematorium, which is operated by City of Lincoln Council.
All three suspects remain in custody and will be questioned by detectives from Lincolnshire Police, but in the meantime police will work with City of Lincoln Council to establish the facts.
Officers say the “exact circumstances” of the case, including “the specific nature of the witnessed burial of the ashes itself,” forms part of this investigation.
Lincolnshire Police says its investigation is focused around one individual whose ashes “could not be located yet the burial ceremony went ahead, witnessed by family members,” while City of Lincoln Council says it has reported a total of six incidents in which it is claimed “some co-workers have not dealt with the burial of ashes in accordance with the wishes of the families of the deceased.”
The council’s chief executive Angela Andrews said she was “shocked and distraught” at the families being “let down at a time when they needed the high level of dedication and professionalism that our crematorium team has always been proud to provide”.
She said: “I have personally visited or spoken to the six families identified as being directly affected by this situation, to work out how we can best help them through this difficult time and to offer our deepest apologies.
“I have been humbled by the responses I received from these families, and we are working with them to agree on lasting tributes to their loved ones.
“We have brought in experienced industry professionals to support the operation of Lincoln Crematorium and ensure we can continue to deliver a committed and professional service. I can reassure anyone using this service that the high standards required are being met.
“I would like to reassure those who have previously used the crematorium that there is no evidence of any other families being affected, other than those we have already been in contact with.
“This situation came to light thanks to concerns raised by council staff. We have launched a thorough internal investigation into what happened, and how it happened, and our initial findings have been shared with Lincolnshire Police who are now investigating one of the incidents.
“While a police investigation is ongoing, it is not possible for me to say any more. We will also be conducting a full internal review into the crematorium’s processes and procedures and will provide a further update on this in due course.
“I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry I am to all those affected by what has happened.”
Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson called for the family’s wishes of privacy to be respected, and urged against speculation until the full investigation was complete.
Chief Supt 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.”
Alongside the police investigation, City of Lincoln Council will also be holding its own internal investigation, and has requested an inspection of the crematorium by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.
Despite this, the crematorium remains open as usual, with police issuing a warning for those with questions around this case not to attend the facility in person as it can disrupt services.
The affected family has met with the police and the local authority, and will be supported by specially-trained officers throughout.
Given the sensitive nature of the topic, City of Lincoln Council has also set up an advice line offering support and guidance, which can be reached at 01522 873399.
