West Mercia Police stored more than 20 body parts and organs from suspicious death or murder investigations, a report has revealed.
The study by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) found the force kept 26 samples.
Superintendent Lee Davenport, who led the audit for West Mercia Police, HM Coroners and the NHS, said every family received the highest level of support and guidance suited to their needs.
Supt Davenport said: “Each family was afforded a trained and experienced police family liaison officer and the vast majority of families were very grateful to us for the way we handled this delicate matter and the support we afforded them throughout.
“The overwhelming feedback from them was that they supported the decision they were told and allowed them to make the final decisions in relation to each case.
“We are satisfied that a full audit across the West Mercia force area has been completed and that families affected by West Mercia cases have been informed.
"We were pleased to be able to share our experience with the National Policing Improvement Agency and with colleagues across the country to assist them.”
• For the full story see tomorrow's Worcester News.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here