Talks to resolve the blunder of a murder victim being buried in the wrong grave could potentially drag on for weeks.

The body of Daniel Hastelow, from Walsall Wood, who was murdered in Spain nearly two years ago, was buried in a grave which was reserved for a widow to be buried next to her husband. The Diocese of Lichfield is currently organising talks between the two families.

Michael Best’s widow, had secured ecclesiastical planning permission for the grave.

Spokesman for the diocese Gavin Drake today said there was “no deadline” as to when the talks will be resolved, but that either way the decision will have to be approved by a court.

He said: “We are still in discussions with the families.

“They are distressed and we cannot rush them in to an agreement, but likewise we are aware that the delay is a cause of stress in itself.

“We want it done as soon as possible because the added delay is adding to the grief of the families, but recognising that they are going through added grief, we don’t want to push them either.”

Rev Nigel Carter, vicar of St John’s Church in Walsall Wood where Mr Hastelow is buried, apologised to the two families earlier this month, saying it was his mistake that he did not mark the grave as reserved before the funeral took place.

Mr Hastelow, aged 26, formerly of Bridgewater Close in Walsall Wood, had left the area to pursue his dream of working in Spain.

He was murdered in his sleep by Richard Roberts, 36, from Liverpool, who was convicted in September and given 18 years in prison.

Mr Hastelow’s family have spent the last two years raising the cash to bring his body home.