Police have arrested a lorry driver on suspicion of murder after 39 bodies were found in a container in Essex.
Essex Police said it was called by the ambulance service shortly before 1.40am on Wednesday following the discovery of a lorry container with people inside.
It is thought that they found the bodies of 38 adults and one teenager inside the container at Waterglade Industrial Park, Eastern Avenue, Grays.
All 39 people were pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers said the lorry had arrived in the UK from Bulgaria via Holyhead, North Wales on Saturday.
The entrance to the Port of Holyhead, in North Wales, which is thought to have been used by the lorry in which the bodies were found. (PA)
The entrance to the Port of Holyhead, in North Wales, which is thought to have been used by the lorry in which the bodies were found. (PA)
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Police have arrested one 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland 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.
Every now and then something truly appalling breaks through the Brexit fog enveloping Parliament and reminds us how many more important issues are being neglected as we spin our wheels in this quagmire. Each of the victims a life full of hope needlessly rubbed out.
“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.”
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