39 BODIES FOUND IN LORRY IN UK
GRAYS (ENGLAND): British police found the bodies of 39 people inside a truck container believed to have come from Bulgaria at an industrial estate to the east of London on Wednesday. Police said the driver of the truck, a 25-yearold man from Northern Ireland, had been arrested on suspicion of murder. The victims, 38 adults and one teenager, were all pronounced dead at the scene.
LONDON: The British police have launched an investigation after 39 people - including 38 adults and a teenager - were found dead in a truck early on Wednesday in an incident that could possibly be related to human smuggling.
Essex police said they were informed by colleagues from the ambulance service shortly before 1.40 am following the discovery of a truck with people inside at Waterglade Industrial Park in Eastern Avenue, Grays, about 35km east of London.
The 39 unidentified people were pronounced dead at the scene.
A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder, police said.
Chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said, “This is a tragic incident. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened. We are in the process of identifying the victims.”
Mariner added, “We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria and entered the country at Holyhead on Saturday October 19. We have arrested the driver.”
Responding to the news, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex... My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones.”
Bulgaria’s foreign ministry could not confirm whether the truck had started its journey from the country.
“We are still checking the information,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Tsvetana Krasteva said.