Three arrested in crematorium inquiry after ‘burial went ahead without ashes’

Police hold three people on suspicion of misconduct in ‘shocking and distressing’ case affecting multiple grieving families

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of a police investigation into the burial of ashes at a Lincoln crematorium.
Angela Andrews, the City of Lincoln council chief executive, said she was “shocked and distraught” to learn of six alleged incidents where the burial of ashes had not been carried out “in accordance with the wishes of the families of the deceased”.
The council, which operates the crematorium in Washingborough Road, Lincoln, notified Lincolnshire Police, who launched an investigation into one of the cases.
The force said it was investigating a burial ceremony which went ahead, witnessed by family members, even though the ashes of the deceased could not be located. The exact circumstances of the burial were not yet known.
A 52-year-old man, a 38-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman were arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The two men were also suspected of fraud by false representation.
Chief Supt 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… 
“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.
“While our detectives investigate, my ask of you is that you do not speculate about what has happened.”
The City of Lincoln council requested an urgent inspection of the facility by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities and launched its own internal investigation, separate to the police inquiry.
In a statement on the council’s website, Ms Andrews said she was “deeply sorry”.
She said: “I am shocked and distraught to confirm that a small number of families did not receive the level of care and service they and their loved ones deserved, and rightly expected, in relation to the burial of their loved ones’ ashes.
“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.
“We have brought in experienced industry professionals to support the operation of Lincoln Crematorium…
“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. 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… I would like to reiterate how deeply sorry I am to all those affected.”
Ms Andrews said that while the council did not believe anyone other than those already contacted had been affected, a dedicated advice line had been launched for those who needed support and guidance.
The dedicated advice line can be reached on 01522 873399.