Who does it belong to? Mystery funeral urn found in Benidorm supermarket

Most forgotten items in supermarkets are wallets, keys or mobile phones. But police in Benidorm are now trying to reunite a family with something far more precious after a funeral urn containing a loved one’s ashes was accidentally left behind in a supermarket locker.

The unusual discovery has prompted a public appeal, with officers hoping someone will recognise the urn or know the family searching for it. Behind what might seem like an extraordinary lost property story lies a deeply personal one, as authorities believe the relatives may be desperately trying to trace the missing ashes.

Urn discovered during routine check

The urn was found on Monday morning when the manager of a supermarket inspected the customer lockers where shoppers temporarily store their belongings. Realising the significance of the discovery, staff immediately contacted Benidorm’s Local Police.

Police say they regularly deal with forgotten bags, purses and personal possessions, but nothing quite like this.

In a message shared on social media, officers explained that while misplaced everyday items are common, a funeral urn is something entirely different. They urged anyone who believes the ashes belong to a relative or friend to come forward.

Police appeal to reunite family with ashes

Police spokesperson Quique Tortosa confirmed that officers have already begun trying to identify the family connected to the urn but, so far, nobody has been located.

The force has also published a photograph of the urn in the hope that someone will recognise it.

In its appeal, the Local Police stressed that the urn is not simply another lost item. Officers acknowledged that it represents someone’s loved one and said there is likely to be a family “going through a very difficult time” after realising it had been left behind.

What happens if nobody comes forward?

If the rightful owners cannot be identified, the urn will not remain in lost property indefinitely.

Police have said that, should all attempts to trace the family fail, the ashes will be transferred to Benidorm’s municipal cemetery for safekeeping.

For now, however, officers remain hopeful that public awareness will help solve the mystery.

The appeal has already attracted widespread attention because of the emotional nature of the case. While accidental, leaving behind an urn containing a loved one’s ashes is almost unheard of, and police hope sharing the story will quickly reunite the family with something that carries immense sentimental value.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Benidorm Local Police so the ashes can be returned to their rightful owners.