Body parts secretly stored in Midland labs and mortuaries

May 15 2011 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

THE body parts of 44 murder victims have been secretly stored in labs and mortuaries across the Midlands for up to fifteen years, unknown to grieving relatives.

They should have been returned to families for burial or cremation, or be properly disposed of, but a breakdown in communication meant they were left on the shelves.

West Mercia Police has been visiting the bereaved relatives to explain the mix-up, and arrange the return of the organs. Last night a spokesman admitted it was distressing.

It is not clear which body parts were kept in storage but they are believed to range from tissue samples to entire organs.

“Only an inner circle of people seems to know about this scandal,” a source told the Sunday Mercury.

“It appears that there has been a break down in communication between the coroner’s office and Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust.

“Instead of the organs being disposed of properly, or being returned to families for cremation or burial, the body parts have been kept in a secret lab.

“You can only imagine how the families will be feeling when they are told the news. It’s shocking and deeply disturbing. That these organs should be kept for years is simply a disgrace.”