39 Bodies Found inside a Truck, Police Launch Murder Investigation

The Location

The police have stated the bodies were in a shipping container that was placed at the back of a truck which was parked on the road at Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays, which is near the River Thames and is about 20 miles from central London.

 

The Investigation

The police have begun their investigations to get to the culprits. They have cordoned off the area and are searching for clues that will give them some positive leads.  Already they have in custody the driver of the truck on suspicion of murder. The driver is 25 years old and belongs to Northern Ireland.

 

Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner has stated, "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives." He also added, "Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened." 

 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “I'm appalled by this tragic incident in Essex." 

 

"I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones."

It is believed the dead bodies belonged to people who were being trafficked by people-trafficking gangs. The police believe the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead. This route was taken to avoid being caught as the authorities had increased security checks at points in other areas. This was a longer route which is normally not taken and hence had fewer security checks.

This is not the first time such an incident has taken place.

In 2001, 58 Chinese immigrants were found dead in the back of a tomato truck that was found in Dover, southern England. The truck driver was convicted of manslaughter.

In 2014, the Essex police had found 35 adults and children inside a shipping container at Tilbury Docks. They were Sikhs from Afghanistan. People screaming and banging from the container. When it was opened, one man was found dead. 

The recent incident has again brought to light the dangers of human trafficking. The police will have to work very hard to get to the people who are behind this gruesome act.