Logistics Community Shocked and Horrified as 39 Bodies Found in Refrigerated Trailer

UK – Speculation surrounds the horrific case of 39 bodies being discovered inside a truck, believed to have been loaded in Bulgaria, when the vehicle was opened this morning upon arrival in Essex. The driver, from Northern Ireland, is under arrest and a full murder investigation underway.

The vehicle, which appears to be a refrigerated trailer, was parked in the Waterglade Industrial Park, Eastern Avenue, Grays when emergency services were summoned at around 01:30 this morning. Nothing could be done for any of the dead which appear to have included the body of at least one teenager.

The driver, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a cordon placed around the truck whilst investigations continue. Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner of Essex Police, commented:

"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."

The scene is in the Motherwell Way estate area which is an industrial zone at the heart of the M25 logistics community, and a regular overnight parking place for trucks waiting to load or unload at the many industrial units there. Local workers were at first convinced this was another overnight theft, an all too common occurrence in the area.

The incident sent ripples of horror throughout the transport community with Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeting:

"Shocked and saddened by this utterly tragic incident in Grays. Essex Police has arrested an individual and we must give them the space to conduct their investigations."

Photo: The cordoned off trailer and unit undergoing forensic examination.