Mystery surrounds discovery of 39 bodies in container
Police have arrested a truck driver on suspicion of murder after 39 bodies were found in a container in Essex, England.
Essex Police were called to the scene by paramedics shortly before 1.40am on Wednesday (local time) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at Waterglade Industrial Park, Eastern Avenue, Grays.
Some 39 people were pronounced dead at the scene. Early indications suggest 38 are adults and one aged in their teens, police said.
A 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
“This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened,” Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said.
“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, October 19, 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.”
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was "shocked and saddened by this utterly tragic incident".
"Essex Police has arrested an individual and we must give them the space to conduct their investigations," she posted on Twitter.
Dan Peters, from a hydraulic maintenance company on the industrial estate where the bodies were found, told AAP it was "terrible" news.
He said the industrial estate was made up of courier and logistics companies.
I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates and 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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 23, 2019
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled" by the discovery and his thoughts were with those who lost their lives and loved ones.
"I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened," he wrote on Twitter.
In Britain's biggest illegal immigrant tragedy in 2000, British customs officials found the bodies of 58 Chinese people crammed into a tomato truck at the southern port of Dover.
– Yahoo! UK and AAP
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