Temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport nearing completion

  • Pictures from SnapperSK:

Work on a temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport is nearing completion.

A part of the facility is already complete with the rest of the work expected to be ready by April 17 at the latest.

It is being used for storage as deaths in the West Midlands increase, and regional mortuaries reach capacity.

A hanger and land at the airport will initially accommodate 1,500 bodies.

Capacity could be expanded if usual mortuary provisions reach capacity, officers said.

Police say the bodies dealt with would be treated with the "utmost dignity and respect at all times".

They are urging bereaved families not to delay in making funeral arrangements for their loved ones - due to current restrictions regarding the number of attendees at funerals.

Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine chairs the Strategic Co-ordination Group (SCG) which oversees the multi-agency response said the work on the temporary mortuary is an example of they're working together 'to best serve our local people'.

Credit: PA images

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know