A murder probe has been launched on Wednesday after 39 bodies were found inside a lorry container on an industrial estate.
According to the Essex Police, it was called by the ambulance service shortly before 1.40 am after the discovery of a lorry 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 was 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”.
Police believe that the vehicle was travelling from Bulgaria and entered the UK three days ago via Holyhead in Wales.
“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”, police said