A fourth person has been arrested over the shocking discovery of 39 migrants found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex.
A 48-year-old man from Northern Ireland was arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to traffic people and manslaughter.
Essex Police have asked people living in the country illegally to contact them in confidence to help them with their investigation.
Thomas and Joanna Maher, the last known owners of the lorry, were arrested earlier today on suspicion of 39 counts of manslaughter and conspiracy to traffic people.
The husband and wife, both 38, who remain in custody, said they sold the cab a year ago and had voluntarily gone to the police themselves.
Officers raided the pair’s home in Warrington, Cheshire, as well as a beauty salon believed to be owned by the couple.
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The truck driver, Mo Robinson, from Portadown, Northern Ireland, remains in custody after being held on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.
Essex Police initially believed all victims were Chinese nationals, but this evening Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said this was an ‘initial steer’ on what is ‘now a developing picture.’
She added: ‘We owe it to those who have died to get this investigation right and speculation is not helpful. It may in fact hinder our investigation and its progress.
‘The force will not be commenting on any speculation about the nationalities of those who have tragically lost their lives.’
It comes after the family of Vietnamese Pham Thi Tra, 26, said they believed she was one of the eight women inside the refrigerated container.
In frantic text messages sent to her mother at around 10.30pm on October 22, she said: ‘I’m sorry Mum, my path to abroad didn’t succeed. ‘I love you and Dad so much! I’m dying because I can’t breathe.’
Her family said they had paid £30,000 for her to be smuggled into Britain, which has now been repaid.
The BBC said it has been in contact with six Vietnamese families who fear their relatives are among the victims, with some having the smuggling fees repaid.
Nguyen Dinh Luong, 20, is also feared to be among the dead, with his brother telling the broadcaster Dinh Luong left Vietnam a year ago before spending time in France.
Authorities have begun the process of transporting the victims from the Port of Tilbury to the mortuary at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.
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DCC Mills said she was aware of the ‘international interest in this case and the appetite for information’ but warned the formal identification process ‘is likely to be a lengthy one’.
She added: ‘Finally I would like to speak directly to anyone who thinks their loved ones may have been in the trailer. I know you may be worried about speaking to the police.
‘I would like to reassure you that we just want to be able to give the victims’ families answers about what has happened.
‘I can’t begin to comprehend what some of you must be going through right now.
‘You have my assurance that Essex Police will be working tirelessly to understand the whole picture to this absolute tragedy.
‘I would also like to make an appeal to anyone living illegally in this country, who could help our investigation.
‘Please come forward and speak to us without fear. I can assure you that your information will be received in strictest confidence and no criminal action will be taken against you.’
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October 26, 2019 at 12:15AM
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