Bodies are removed from funeral directors after police raid as detectives probe ... trends now
Two bodies have been taken from a funeral parlour after a police raid following allegations about the prevention of lawful and decent burial.
Officers searched two bases belonging to funeral directors R&H Barker on Sunday, it has been revealed - in Didcot and Wantage in Oxfordshire.
The investigation comes as Humberside Police, in a separate inquiry, continue to look into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors - having removed 35 bodies.
A mourning grandson today told how he was shocked by blood and mould spattered across his loved one's coffin at one of Legacy's branches in Hull.
The latest action in Oxfordshire comes after a report to Thames Valley Police of preventing a lawful and decent burial, as well as alleged fraud.
Police have removed two bodies after raiding two premises of funeral directors R&H Barker, including the office pictures here in Didcot, Oxfordshire
R&H Barker's funeral parlour in Wantage, Oxfordshire (pictured), was also searched by police
The force says this related to 'one individual only' and no evidence of crime has been found, but R&H Barker has been asked to close while inquiries carry on.
No arrests have been made, while another funeral directors business has removed the two bodies so bereaved families could go ahead with their planned burials.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement: 'Two bodies were moved from the premises by other funeral directors to ensure funerals could take place, but this is nothing to do with the police investigation.
'Thames Valley Police were made aware of concerns relating to the business practices of R&H Barker Funeral Directors on Wednesday 10 April.
'We carried out a number of immediate enquiries, and two warrants were carried out at premises connected with the business in Harcourt Road, Wantage and Wantage Road, Didcot on Sunday 14.
'As a result of these warrants, we are now working together with partners including Environmental Health to investigate business practices at the sites.
'Our focus is on fraud offences and one offence of prevention of a lawful and decent burial.
'At this stage of the investigation we have found no evidence of any criminal offence and no arrests have been made. We do not believe that any other families are impacted.'
Officers have contacted and are supporting two families who were scheduled to use the company's funeral services.
MailOnline has contacted R&H Barker for comment.
The firm's website tells potential customers: 'With over three decades of experience as professional funeral directors in Oxfordshire, we provide a personal, sympathetic service.
'Our sole purpose is to help, guide and advise you on all aspects of funeral arrangements and relieve any anxieties you may have.'
The firm's founder Roger Barker is quoted on the site as saying: 'Before becoming a funeral director, I worked in a clothes shop.
'But after seeing my wife’s aunt being treated in a very disrespectful way by an undertaker, I was horrified and decided that I could, and would, do
