Murder Arrest after 39 found Dead in Lorry Container in Grays

A man’s been arrested and a murder investigation is now underway after 39-bodies were discovered in a lorry container in Grays.

The grim discovery was made at the Waterglade Industrial Park at around 1.40 am this morning.

The lorry driver, a 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

In a statement on the Essex Police website, 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.”

Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price has tweeted:

Sickening news of 39 people found dead in a container in Grays. People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business. This is a big investigation for @EssexPoliceUK Lets hope they bring these murderers to justice

— Jackie Doyle-Price (@JackieDP) October 23, 2019

Home Secretary and MP for Witham, Priti Patel spoke in the House of Commons today:

'Essex police discovered a lorry container with 39 bodies inside'

Home Secretary Priti Patel updates the House on 'a tragic loss of life' https://t.co/kubNQBQoJY pic.twitter.com/Gs0Oy9o7SS

— ITV News (@itvnews) October 23, 2019

Shadow Home Secretary, Diane Abbott MP responded, commending the work of Essex Police:

'It's important to remember that these 39 poor, unfortunate people are the victims in this – they are preyed on by the greedy'@HackneyAbbott makes a statement after 39 bodies were found in a lorry trailer in Essex https://t.co/kubNQBQoJY pic.twitter.com/usDWHh4WyL

— ITV News (@itvnews) October 23, 2019

Essex Police have set up a casualty bureau. Information was announced in a tweet:

We have set up a casualty bureau for people to call if they are concerned about relatives following the incident in #Grays.

The Casualty Bureau Numbers are 0800 056 0944 for callers living in the UK, or 0207 158 0010 for callers dialling from outside the UK. pic.twitter.com/hP9GydBFge

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) October 23, 2019

Thurrock Council has arranged for a book of condolence to be opened for members of the public to share their sympathies following the tragic incident in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, today. The book will be available in the reception of the Civic Offices, Grays, for two weeks.

The Civic Offices are open from 8am to 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 4.45pm on Fridays.

Cllr Terry Piccolo, Mayor of Thurrock, said:

“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible way. Thurrock Council will do all it can to assist Essex Police as their investigation continues.”