Essex Lorry Deaths: Police Identify All 39 People Found Dead
The 39 people found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex have all been identified and their families told, Essex Police said.
In a statement, the force said all of the victims found in the back of a lorry in Grays last month had been formally identified and their families informed.
“This is an important step in the investigation and enables us to work with our Vietnamese Police colleagues to support the families of those victims,” Assistant Chief Constable Tim Smith said.
“It is only right that we provide an opportunity for family members to take in the news confirming the death of their loved ones before releasing any further information,” he said.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those whose tragic journey ended on our shores.”
Essex Police said it continues to lead the investigation, working with the National Crime Agency and with European Law Enforcement colleagues.
It comes after eight people were arrested earlier this week by Vietnamese police in connection with the migrants found dead.
They were held on Sunday on suspicion of organising people smuggling overseas. So far two people have been charged.
Essex Police have started extradition proceedings to bring 22-year-old Eamonn Harrison from Ireland to the UK.
Harrison, of Newry in Co Down, Northern Ireland, appeared at Dublin High Court last Friday charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, along with human trafficking and immigration offences, and was remanded in custody.
The driver of the lorry, Mo Robinson, 25, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.
Detectives have also urged Ronan Hughes, 40, and his brother Christopher, 34, said to have links with the road haulage and shipping industries, to hand themselves in.
The pair, from Armagh in Northern Ireland, are wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking.
