Tragedy truck from Belgium, say cops after 39 found dead
THE trailer in which 39 people were found dead in the south of England is thought to have arrived in the country from Zeebrugge in Belgium, police said.
The vehicle was found by police at Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays, Essex, early yesterday.
Essex Police said 38 adults and one teenager were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the lorry, a 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland, remains in custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A police statement said: “We were called shortly after 1.40am by our colleagues in the East of England
Ambulance Service to reports that, sadly, 39 people had been discovered dead in the container of a lorry at the Waterglade Industrial Park in Eastern Avenue.
“Originally, we reported that the lorry had travelled into the country through Holyhead on Saturday 19 October. After further enquiries, we now believe that the trailer travelled from Zeebrugge into Purfleet, and docked in the Thurrock area shortly after 12:30am this morning. The tractor unit of the lorry is believed to have originated in Northern Ireland.
“We believe the lorry and trailer left the port shortly after 1.05am.
“This will be a lengthy and complex investigation and we continue to work with local partners and international authorities to gather vital intelligence and identify those who have sadly died.
“We urge anyone with information to contact our Major Investigation Team on 101 or visit our website.”
A spokesperson for Belfast
Harbour has said they have not been asked to investigate whether the lorry came from their port. “We are aware of the tragic event reported this morning in Essex,” a spokesman said.“At this time, Belfast Harbour Police has not been asked to investigate; Essex Police is investigating and leading inquiries.”