Published 17:06 IST, October 23rd 2019
‘Appalled’ by Essex incident, receiving regular updates: Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was appalled by the Essex incident where 39 bodies were found in a lorry container at Waterglade Industrial Park.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was appalled by the Essex incident where 39 bodies were found in a lorry container. Johnson said that he is receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely on the murder investigation.
Home Secretary Priti Patel reacted to the incident, saying she was shocked and saddened and called it an utterly tragic incident. She also urged to give space to Essex police to conduct their investigation.
Police anticipate the investigation as 'lengthy process'
Police launched a multiple-murder investigation after the discovery of bodies and have arrested the 25-year-old lorry driver, a resident of Northern Ireland.
“At this stage, we have not identified where the victims are from or their identities, and we anticipate that this could be a lengthy process,” said Deputy chief constable Pippa Mills in a statement.
All the 39 people, of which one was teenager and rest were adults, were declared dead after Emergency services arrived at the scene. Police have thrown a security cordon at the Waterglade Industrial Park.
“I’m unable to say at this stage how long the cordon will be in place but please let me reassure you that my officers and partners will be doing everything they can to release the scene as soon as possible,” said Mills.
Lorry believed to be from Bulgaria
Essex Police received reports around 1.40 am that a number of people had been found inside a lorry's container at the Waterglade Industrial Park on Eastern Avenue in Grays. The lorry is believed to be from Bulgaria and it had entered the UK through Holyhead, Wales on October 19. Holyhead is one of the busiest ferry port in the UK and is the terminus of the North Wales Coast Line.
“I would like to appeal for anyone who has any information to contact my officers at the Major Investigation Team on 101 or visit our website. We will update all of our channels as we are able to, but please appreciate we are in the early stages of what is likely to be a lengthy investigation,” said the Deputy chief constable.
Updated 17:20 IST, October 23rd 2019