UK police investigate at the scene of the lorry containing 39 bodies in Grays, Essex, the UK (Source: Reuters/VNA)
London (VNA) - UK police said they believe all victims in the Essex lorry death case are Vietnamese, adding that they have identified some of the victims and have contacted the Vietnamese Government and some families in the UK and Vietnam.
In a statement on late November 1, Essex police said the confirmatory evidence needed to formally present cases to HM Senior Coroner for her consideration has not yet been obtained.
"This evidence is being gathered across a number of jurisdictions worldwide. As a result, we cannot at this time announce the identity of any of the victims,” said the statement.
Essex police will continue to cooperate closely with the Vietnamese Government, and others, to identify the victims and offer support to all those affected by this tragedy.
Following the police’s announcement, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Tran Ngoc An said despite being mentally prepared for the worst possible possibilities, he is shocked and deeply saddened when officially informed by the UK police. He expressed deep sympathy to families of the victims.
The ambassador affirmed that the embassy has been working to ensure close coordination between relevant agencies of Vietnam and the UK in the case, adding that he had met UK Home Secretary Priti Patel on November 1, and the embassy will continue to work with UK agencies on handling the case.
The embassy has received around 300 calls providing information and asking for support in searching for missing people.
Essex police is hunting two suspects, Ronan Hughes and Christopher Hughes both from North Ireland, in relation to the case. Earlier, Maurice Robinson and Laurel Drive have been charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, as well as human trafficking and immigration offences./.
