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Police in the United Kingdom on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old driver from Northern Ireland on suspicion of murder after 39 bodies were found in the back of a semi-truck in Essex, which is east of London.
Essex police said that 38 of the bodies, which were found at the Waterglade Industrial Park in Greys, Essex, were adults and one was a teenager. The area has been cordoned off by police.
Police officers attend the scene after a truck, seen in rear, was found to contain a large number of dead bodies, in Thurrock, South England, early Wednesday Oct. 23, 2019. (PA via AP)
"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened," Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said. "We are in the process of identifying the victims, however I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process."
"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident, who remains in police custody as our inquiries continue," he added.
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An aerial view as police forensic officers attend the scene after a truck was found to contain a large number of dead bodies, in Thurock, South England, Wednesday Oct. 23, 2019. (UK Pool via AP)
The truck traveled from Bulgaria through the Welsh town of Holyhead, police said according to the BBC.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he was "appalled" by the incident. "My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones," he said in the statement.
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In 2000, 58 Chinese immigrants were found dead in the back of a truck in Dover, the BBC reported. The driver was found guilty of manslaughter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.