Lancashire Police conducting enquiries at Martin's Funeral Directors in Tulketh Brow, Preston
Two people have been arrested after police raided a funeral directors in Preston this morning.
Officers made their way to Martin’s Funeral Directors in Tulketh Brow, Ashton, at around 8am.
Lancashire Police have a number of resources at the scene, including CID, CSI and the dogs unit. Officers in white forensic suits have entered the funeral home and an examination of the property is underway. One of the force’s spaniel sniffer dogs is searching the premises.
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.
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.
The Lancashire force said the arrests have no connection to a 2022 investigation at the funeral home, when 42-year-old undertaker Nigel Robinson‑Wright was jailed for sharing indecent and obscene images, including pictures allegedly taken at Martin’s where he had worked.
The Post understands that Martin’s second funeral home in Longridge has also been visited by police, along with a private home related to the business in Fulwood.
Police statement
A police spokesperson said: “Earlier this month we were contacted in relation to concerns about some of the practices at Martins Funeral Directors.
“While we remain in the early stages of assessing that information we have this morning (Tuesday, April 28) 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.
“If anyone has any information or concerns, they can call us on 101 quoting log 0212 of April 28.”
Police update
This afternoon, a spokesperson for Lancashire Police added: “You may be aware of some police activity at a funeral parlour in Preston and we wanted to provide you with an update.
“Earlier this month we were contacted in relation to concerns about some of the practices at Martins funeral directors and this morning (Tuesday, April 28) we carried out warrants at three addresses in Preston and Longridge as part of our enquiries.
“Officers have carried out thorough searches of the addresses, accompanied by a public health inspector, and we have not found anything untoward in respect of the treatment or storage of peoples’ loved ones.
“Our investigation is continuing but is focussed solely on potential financial irregularities relating to the business. Our ongoing enquiries will not impact on the business continuing to provide funeral services at this time.
“Two people, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, both from Preston, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and are currently in custody.
“We appreciate that reading about this may cause concern, but we wanted to provide some context and reassure you about the nature of our investigation.
“If you do have any information or concerns, you can call us on 101 quoting log 0212 of April 28.”
The Post has tried to make contact with Martin’s, but the phones at both its Ashton and Longridge funeral homes are going unanswered this morning.