Purfleet man arrested over Thurrock lorry deaths

He was detained yesterday morning

A man from Purfleet has been arrested in connection with the deaths of 39 Vietnamese nationals, whose bodies were discovered in a lorry trailer in Thurrock last month.

The 36-year-old was detained yesterday morning in Dalston, east London.

He is being questioned on suspicion of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Yesterday, lorry driver Maurice Robinson appeared at the Old Bailey, where he admitted plotting to assist illegal immigration.

He did not enter a plea for charges of manslaughter.