Two branches of Martin's Funeral Directors were raided early on Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports. Forensics teams and sniffer dogs took part in the searches at the premises in Longridge and Preston, as well as a private address nearby. A hand-written sign on one funeral parlour read 'Closed - please do not enter.'
Lancashire Police said they were contacted earlier this month regarding concerns about practices at the funeral directors. The force executed warrants at three addresses in Preston and Longridge at around 8am. A man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, both from Preston, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and remain in custody for questioning.
Earlier this month we were contacted in relation to concerns about some of the practices at Martin's Funeral Directors. While we remain in the early stages of assessing that information we have this morning carried out warrants at three addresses in Preston and Longridge as part of our enquiries. Police officers remain on scene and are carrying out searches at the properties on Stone Bridge Parade, Longridge, Tulketh Brow in Ashton on Ribble and The Friars in Fulwood. Two people, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, both from Preston, have been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and are currently in custody. We appreciate that reading about this may cause concern but while enquiries remain at this early stage it would be inappropriate to comment any further.
The operation is understood to relate to alleged financial irregularities, not concerns over how bodies are treated. The investigation is not connected with the jailing of former employee Nigel Robinson-Wright. The specific practices that raised concerns have not been disclosed, and it is unclear exactly how many families or bodies may be affected.