Police are investigating Hull-based Legacy Independent Funeral Directors after reports of “concern for care of the deceased”.

Specialist officers have removed the bodies of 35 people and the suspected ashes of a number of others.

A 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the investigation and released on bail.

Deputy Chief Constable David Marshall pledged to put the “heartbroken families” of those affected at the core of its investigation into the “truly horrific incident”.

He told a press conference in North Ferriby on Tuesday: “We are continuing to support the families involved through this extremely difficult and distressing time. This has been a truly horrific incident and they are understandably distraught and have many questions, and we are doing everything we can to give them the answers they desperately need.

"This is an extremely complex and sensitive investigation, with heartbroken and devastated families at the core of it, and we are determined to make sure that we keep the families involved at the heart of everything we are doing.”

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin told reporters more than 1,000 calls had been received from concerned members of the public.

Police who have removed the bodies of 35 people and the suspected ashes of a number of others from a funeral directors have said they are investigating a “truly horrific incident”. Pictured: Floral tributes left outside the Hessle Road branch of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.

Mr McLoughlin said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to speak directly to the families and loved ones affected by this truly terrible set of circumstances.

“My heart goes out to you all and I can only imagine how distressing and upsetting it will be for you and your families.

“I know that they will want or need much more information than I can give you today.

“But as we progress with the investigation, I want to reassure you that we will provide you updates as soon as we can and I also want to give you a personal commitment that I will do everything possible to give you the answers that you deserve.”

Specialist officers were continuing to search three of the firm’s sites, in Hull and Beverley, East Yorkshire, on Tuesday as the force confirmed more than 120 police and civilian staff are working on the case.

The Assistant Chief Constable said the investigation was at a critical stage and the Humberside force was drawing on support nationally with more than 120 officers and staff working on inquiry.

He said this “reflects the sheer size and scale of this investigation”.

Officers cordoned off three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors sites after the force received a report on Wednesday of concerns about the “storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased”.

The bodies were removed between Friday morning and Saturday evening, the force said.

Formal identification is now taking place at Hull’s city mortuary.

Legacy Independent Funeral Directors: Watch as police provide update on 'truly horrific' investigation into Yorkshire funeral parlour