Police apologise over body mix-up

Police have apologised for mixing up the identities of two women who died at a care home leading to one of them being cremated by the wrong family.

An inquiry by Devon and Cornwall Police has found that procedures were not "strictly" followed.

Mary Hoctor, 84, and another woman whose name has not been released, died within minutes of each other at Down House, Plymouth, on 17 March 2007.

Police were routinely called because the deaths had been so close together.

I have clearly stated to the family that I am sorry for the anguish that has been caused Chief Supt Jim Webster

The inquiry found one of Mrs Hoctor's children had identified her but left when a contractor for the coroner came to take the bodies to the mortuary, which is when the mix up occured.

The family were later told Mrs Hoctor had been cremated at the wrong crematorium.

According to police, a comprehensive review involving the agencies that came into contact with the bodies was conducted revealed that procedures had not been "strictly" followed.

The policies on dealing with sudden and unexpected deaths have since been amended to help prevent future mistakes.

Chief Supt Jim Webster, Plymouth Police Commander, said: "I have met with members from the two families on several occasions and I have expressed my regret that procedures were not followed.

Family 'satisfied'

"I have clearly stated to the family that I am sorry for the anguish that has been caused.

"The police and the other organisations involved have learnt some valuable lessons from this case.

"I would like to thank the family members that have taken part in this review for assisting us in the process."

According to the police, Mrs Hoctor's family have stated they are "satisfied with the police inquiry and the procedures that have now been put into place".