39 found dead in Essex lorry were Chinese nationals
All 39 people found dead in a lorry on an industrial estate in Essex were Chinese nationals, Essex Police have confirmed.
Eight of the people who died were women, police said today, amending an update yesterday that the number included one teenager to say she was a young adult.
Read more: Police launches murder investigation after 39 people found dead inside lorry
Police and ambulances were called to Waterglade Industrial Park shortly after 1.40am yesterday after the discovery of the bodies.
Essex Police have launched a murder investigation, while the Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office today said it had opened a case into the deaths.
“Our detectives worked with partners to conduct initial enquiries into these tragic deaths and we continue to work diligently to piece together the circumstances of this horrific event, which has led to the largest murder investigation in our force’s history,” Essex Police said.
“Our work continues today, and for the foreseeable future, to be focused on providing the victims and their loved ones with an investigation that is filled with dignity, compassion and respect for those who have died.”
The lorry’s tractor unit entered the country via Holyhead on Sunday, 20 October from Dublin.
The lorry then picked up the trailer – which had arrived from Zeebrugge in Belgium – at Purfleet’s port around 12.30am.
Around half an hour later both the lorry and trailer left the port.
The prosecutor said it was not clear when the victims entered the container and whether this happened in Belgium.
Police are continuing to question 25-year-old Mo Robinson from Portadown, Northern Ireland, who was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Read more: More details emerge in Essex lorry death case
The BBC reported that officers have raided two houses in Northern Ireland, while the National Crime Agency said it was working with Essex Police and would seek to identify any organised crime groups involved in the deaths.
Essex Police said they could not confirm the nationality of the victims and there was no immediate comment from the Chinese foreign ministry or from China’s London embassy.
More to follow.