POLICE have confirmed no crime took place when a family tried to dig a grave for a dead relative in a Wollaston churchyard because they were “confused” about the proper burial process.

West Midlands Police were called to St James’ Church in Bridgnorth Road after reports that some of the earth in the graveyard had been disturbed.

Officers sealed off a small area of the churchyard on Monday morning (March 27) after human remains were found to have been buried unofficially in the grounds.

The Archdeacon of Dudley, Nikki Groarke, said: “An irregular burial was discovered in St James’s churchyard and the police were contacted to ensure nothing untoward had happened.”

A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Worcester said: “The church is helping the family to bury the body in the proper manner, with prayers and a blessing.”

Police said they were satisfied no criminal offences had taken place.