Police release photos from visit to Vietnam, as investigation continues into 39 lorry deaths

ACC Tim Smith meets with British Ambassador to Vietnam, Gareth Ward, and Deputy Foreign Minister to Vietnam, To Anh Dung (credit: Essex Police)

Essex Police has released photos showing its contingent in Vietnam, as the investigation continues into the deaths of 39 migrants whose bodies were discovered in a lorry in Thurrock.

Staff from the force have been in the country for the past two weeks, as part of their investigation. 

They have visited families across six provinces; Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Hai Phong and Hai Duong.  

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Smith said: “This visit has been crucial to ensure we gave the victims’ families the very best support we could despite the distance from Essex. Our officers and staff have worked hard to ensure this happened and I hope it has given the families affected some small comfort in such a tragic event.

“One of the main challenges with this investigation has been the vastness of its geography. We are incredibly thankful that, in addition to the contact we’ve had with families over the phone, we were able to come to Vietnam and offer our support and condolences in person.

“This simply would not have been possible without the support from colleagues at home and that of diplomatic and law enforcement partners in Vietnam. From an international level to a local one, we have worked together to get the best outcome of this visit for the families of the victims, who have suffered unimaginable losses. Our thoughts are always with them, and we are so grateful to have been able to communicate that directly to them.”

The visit is the result of partnership work between Essex Police, the Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam, the British Embassy in Vietnam, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local law enforcement colleagues in the provinces and the National Crime Agency.

Members of the Essex Police contingent with staff in Vietnam

ACC Smith also presented the Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam with two Books of Condolence, which were set up by Thurrock Council after the deaths in October. The books will now be kept in Hanoi.

The visits also allowed the police to offer condolences to the families face-to-face and answer any questions they had, as well as gathering accounts from family members about the circumstances that had led their loved ones to the UK.

Families of victims were also given the opportunity to learn more about the identification process for their loved ones and could hear more about the progress of the investigation.

Mark Bishop, the NCA’s head of operations for the Asia Pacific region, said: “The investigation into the tragic events in Essex last October has been extremely complex and truly international. I’d like to thank our law enforcement colleagues in Vietnam for their support, and our work with them will continue through the NCA international network.

“I’d also like to add my condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. I hope this visit has at least given them some reassurance that the UK authorities are determined to do all we can to bring those responsible to justice.”