Police stop hearse on way to funeral for more tests on body

Police in Essex stopped a hearse on the way to a crematorium so a pathologist could carry out tests on the corpse, it has been revealed.

Officers suspected Stuart Smith, 37, from Colchester, had been subjected to "excessive force" when he was arrested earlier this month.

A police spokesman said tests had not revealed evidence of assault and Mr Stuart had died after a drug overdose. One officer had been suspended while inquiries were carried out, he said.


Photo from here.

As police were moving Mr Smith's body from the hearse to a mortuary for tests his partner Nicola Lawson and their five children were waiting in Colchester Crematorium for the funeral service to start.

Ms Lawson said: "It was bad enough losing him and arranging the funeral but to have the body taken in this way is unbearable."

Floral tributes intended for Mr Smith's funeral have been left wilting in the family's garden. Essex Police have agreed to pay for the costs of the cancelled funeral.

With news video.