CCTV captures lorry carrying 39 bodies moments before it entered depot

The lorry container in which 39 bodies were found in Essex was caught on CCTV camera moments before it entered the Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays. The lorry, which was earlier believed to have entered the United Kingdom through Holyhead, travelled from Zeebrugge into Purfleet and docked in the Thurrock area, said the Essex police.

The Essex Police have set up a casualty bureau for people to call if they are concerned about relatives following the incident. “The tractor unit of the lorry is believed to have originated in Northern Ireland”, said the police in a statement.

Read: Essex: 39 Bodies Found In Lorry, Police Launch Multiple-murder Probe

Lorry driver in custody

Police have arrested the 25-year-old lorry driver, a resident of Northern Ireland, and he remains in custody on suspicion of murder.

“At this stage, we have not identified where the victims are from or their identities, and we anticipate that this could be a lengthy process”, said Deputy chief constable Pippa Mills in a statement.

All the 39 people, of which one was teenager and rest were adults, were declared dead after Emergency services arrived at the scene. Police have thrown a security cordon at the Waterglade Industrial Park.

“I’m unable to say at this stage how long the cordon will be in place but please let me reassure you that my officers and partners will be doing everything they can to release the scene as soon as possible”, said Mills.

Read: Gujarat ATS Nabs Two Suspects In Kamlesh Tiwari Murder Case

Reactions of British leaders

Reacting to the incident, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was appalled by it and the Home Office will work closely on the murder investigation. Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was shocked and saddened and called it an utterly tragic incident. She also suggested that the Essex police be given their space to conduct a thorough investigation.

Essex police appealed to contact the officers at the Major Investigation Team on 101 or the website if anyone has any information about the incident.

“We will update all of our channels as we are able to, but please appreciate we are in the early stages of what is likely to be a lengthy investigation”, said the police.

Read: 'Appalled’ By Essex Incident, Receiving Regular Updates: Boris Johnson

Read: Kamlesh Tiwari Murder: Courier Arrested, Zomato Says 'Zero Tolerance'