Investigators have identified them with the help of documents and in-depth questions.
However, since cremation prevents DNA extraction, some of the ashes will never be properly identified.
It was revealed earlier in the year that three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors locations—two in Hull and one in Beverley—had had several remains taken by police.
There had been “many calls from concerned members of the public,” according to Humberside Police.
“Storage and management processes relating to care of the deceased” had drawn criticism.
The force now reports that it has “started the process of contacting 163 families throughout it.
The statement continued: “Officers from the force along with support staff from Hull City Council and East Riding Council will provide those affected with a detailed update on what they’ve recovered and discuss the options available to them.”
Unidentified ashes were kept in an urn at Richard Shaw’s house for several months after his wife Rita passed away in October of last year following a brief illness.
