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39 Dead Bodies Found Inside Lorry Container In UK

39 Dead Bodies Found Inside Lorry Container In UK

Police have launched a murder investigation

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Thirty-nine bodies have been found in a lorry in Essex.

Police have launched a murder investigation after the lorry was found at Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays at around 1.40am this morning.

According to reports, there were 38 adults and one teenager found.

PA

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims, however I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria and entered the country at Holyhead on Saturday 19 October and we are working closely with our partners to investigate.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue. I appreciate this cordon is going to disrupt the activity of local businesses in the area and we will work to ensure that disruption is kept as short as possible.

"We are working with Thurrock Council to mitigate against any impact our investigation scene will have locally."

A woman who was driving past the area at around 4.15am, told PA: I had just finished work while driving up Motherwell Way and all you could see was blue flashing lights, as I was driving past there was police tape to cordon off the start of eastern avenue.

"I knew it was serious because of how many police cars and ambulances were there, but the police had parked their cars across the whole access of the road so you couldn't see anything."

A cordon is in place in the area.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said: "I'm appalled by this tragic incident in Essex.

"I am receiving regular updates from the Home Office & will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones."

Featured Image Credit: Sky News

Topics: uk news