Police have launched an investigation into a York funeral home.
Two people have been arrested as part of a probe into allegations of theft and fraud.
North Yorkshire Police said they had arrested a 53-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman on Sunday “in connection with allegations including theft and fraud at a funeral directors”.
The business in question is Hayley Owen Funeral Directors on Boroughbridge Road.
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The two people arrested have been released on police bail as further inquiries are carried out.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We understand that families immediately affected by this investigation will be concerned and distressed and they are our priority at this early stage.
“Anyone who is immediately affected has been contacted direct by the investigation team.
“We are working closely with the City of York Council to put measures in place to mitigate the impact on bereaved families including support from bereavement counsellors.
“The investigation is in the early stages and we expect it to take some time.
“If we find that any families are affected by our subsequent findings, or we believe that they may be able to assist the investigation, they will also be contacted direct.”
Anyone who is concerned and wishes to speak to someone should call the Force Control Room on 101.
Rallying round
Pauline Stuchfield, director of customer and communities at City of York Council, said: “We are working closely with the police to mitigate any impact on bereaved families, who have been offered support from bereavement counsellors.”
A statement released by Hayley Owen Funeral Directors said: “We are cooperating with North Yorkshire Police in respect of their ongoing investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Other York funeral directors are rallying round to help families affected by the investigation.
Martin Rowley, of Rowley & Sons Family Funeral Services, said: “As a family run firm, we stand ready to offer bereaved families affected by this inquiry, any help and advice needed during this very difficult time.
“We are already assisting families who have asked us to take over their loved one’s funeral arrangements.”
Hayley Richmond, of Darley Funeral Directors on Highthorn Road, told YorkMix: “We are assisting families and remain available to anyone who requires support.
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected at this time.”
Chris Fielder, of JG Fielder & Son, said: “We were made aware of this by bereaved families who contacted us this weekend, and now a number of families have decided to change the funeral arrangements that had been put in place.
“We remain available to offer our help and support to those who need it.”
YorkMix has contacted Hayley Owen Funeral Directors to ask for a comment.