NI man (25) arrested over discovery of 39 bodies in lorry
large-scale security op under way
Last updated 23rd Oct 2019
A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland was arrested today (Wednesday) on suspicion of murder after 39 bodies were found in a lorry container in Essex.
Police say the discovery was made in Waterglade Industrial Park, Eastern Avenue, in the Grays area in the early hours of this morning.
The truck is understood to have been from Bulgaria, and entered the country at Holyhead via Dublin on Saturday.
Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said the discovery was an "absolute tragedy'' and appealed to anyone with any information to contact police.
She added: "Please appreciate we are in the early stages of what is likely to be a lengthy investigation.''
Earlier, 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."
Seamus Leheny, Northern Ireland policy manager for the Freight Transport Association (FTA), told PA: "There is a direct route to Holyhead from Dublin.
"If the lorry came from Bulgaria, getting into Britain via Holyhead is an unorthodox route.
"People have been saying that security and checks have been increased at places like Dover and Calais, so it might be seen as an easier way to get in by going from Cherbourg or Roscoff, over to Rosslare, then up the road to Dublin.
"It's a long way around and it'll add an extra day to the journey."
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said: "We are aware of this tragic incident which is now the subject of a murder investigation being led by Essex Police and we have deployed NCA officers to assist.
"We are working with partners including Essex Police and Immigration Enforcement to provide specialist support to urgently identify and take action against any organised crime groups who might have played a role in causing these deaths."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is "appalled'' and that his thoughts are with those who lost their lives and their loved ones.
DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted: "Horrifying news coming from Essex this morning. Thinking of those who have impacted and their families during such a distressing time.''