Essex, UK: The bodies of 39 people were found in a lorry container in Essex on Wednesday afternoon.
The police were called shortly after the discovery at Waterglade Industrial Park in Eastern Avenue, Grays at around 1:40 pm.
A 25-year-old lorry driver from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Essex Police said the container had travelled from Bulgaria and entered the UK through Holyhead, Anglesey, on Saturday.
Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said identifying the victims “remains our number one priority”.
She appealed for anyone with information about the route the lorry may have taken, or anyone who had seen the vehicle or knew about its journey, to get in touch.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “appalled by this tragic incident”.
He said he is receiving “regular updates” and the Home office will work “closely” with the police to establish the cause of deaths.
“My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones,” he added.
Shocked & saddened by this utterly tragic incident in Grays. Essex Police has arrested an individual and we must give them the space to conduct their investigations.
— Priti Patel MP (@patel4witham) October 23, 2019
According to the police report, 38 adults and one teenager lost their life in the tragedy.
MP Jackie Doyle-Price called it “sickening news” and said that “People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business.”
She hoped the police would “bring these murderers to justice”.
Investigations are underway regarding the incident.
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