Shoobridge Funeral Services wants to reassure the public after the horrifying news that police removed 34 bodies from a funeral business in Hull.

We are also calling for industry regulations. Shockingly, anyone in England can set up a funeral directing business without any training or licensing. 

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, and fraud. 

Paul Shoobridge, director of the family business, said he would like greater scrutiny across the board, following Scotland’s lead on regulation where all funeral directors have to adhere to industry standards.

He said: “The news that police have had to go into a funeral directing business in Hull and remove 34 bodies is deeply disturbing. In our own history, it is unheard of. It’s horrifying. Whilst we can’t speculate on the details, we can reassure the public that this would not happen at Shoobridge Funeral Services. 

“Our funeral directors are fully trained to the highest industry standards and all are DBS checked. We are also one of the few licensed businesses, as being licensed is not a compulsory measure. 

“We belong to the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors and also the British Institute of Funeral Directors. We abide by their code of conducts and our own code of conduct. We welcome any visits from the public at any time. Our collection and care of the deceased is always with the utmost dignity and our storage facilities exceed industry standards.”

Three years ago, there was an inquiry into serious failings at hospital mortuaries in Kent and Sussex hospitals after a depraved electrician and maintenance worker was found guilty of abusing the bodies of at least 101 women and girls.