Murder probe launched after 39 bodies found in truck

London: UK police have launched a murder investigation after 39 people were found dead in a truck container at an industrial park in Essex, 30 km east of London. One of the victims was in their teens.

Authorities believe the truck, which originated in Bulgaria, entered the UK through the Welsh port of Holyhead over the weekend. A regular ferry service connects Holyhead with the Irish capital, Dublin.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims, however I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.

A 25-year-old Northern Irish truck driver was arrested "on suspicion of murder" after the bodies were discovered at the Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays early on Wednesday morning, Essex Police said.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue," Mariner added.

Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills told reporters that it was the police's "number one priority" to find out who the people who died were, and where they were from.

The force has set up a helpline for people to call if they are concerned their relatives might have been among those inside the truck.

Aerial footage of the scene, filmed by Reuters, showed a police cordon and black tent set up at the back of the white container, which was attached to a red Scania truck.

"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened," Mariner said.

Sickening news of 39 people found dead in a container in Grays. People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business. This is a big investigation for @EssexPoliceUK Lets hope they bring these murderers to justice

— Jackie Doyle-Price (@JackieDP) October 23, 2019