This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On Wednesday morning, police were called to the Waterglade Industrial Park in Essex, London, following the gruesome discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry container.
The 25-year-old driver, who is from Northern Ireland, had driven the lorry from Bulgaria and entered the country through Holyhead on Saturday.
According to reports, the lorry contained 38 adults and one teenager, but their identities have yet to be revealed.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his shock and sadness over the incident, stating on Twitter: '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.'
Essex Police Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: 'Our inquiries 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.'
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of a similar incident 19 years ago, where 58 Chinese immigrants were found dead inside a lorry in Dover.
