Trade association for independent funeral directors SAIF is deeply distressed about reports of arrests at a funeral directors in Hull following a police investigation.

A spokesperson said: “We understand that many members of the public will be concerned about these developments. Our advice to bereaved families who are currently in the process of instructing a funeral director is to check that the business is a SAIF member. This can be done here.”

“Members of SAIF will have a certificate of membership displayed in a prominent place within their branch premises, as well as a window sticker visible to passers-by.

“Importantly, our member firms are required to adhere to a strict code of practice covering care of the deceased, return of ashes to bereaved families and invoicing.

“SAIF funeral businesses are inspected against the code of practice by our representatives on a regular basis to ensure standards are upheld.

“Additionally, clients of SAIF members have access to a complaints scheme, providing reassurance should things go wrong.

“Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is not and has never been a member of SAIF.

“Further information about SAIF’s code of practice can be found here.”