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 allvictims in the Essex lorry death case are Vietnamese, adding that they haveidentified some of the victims and have contacted the Vietnamese Government andsome families in the UK and Vietnam.
In a statement on late November1, Essex police said the confirmatory evidence needed to formally present cases to HMSenior Coroner for her consideration has not yet been obtained.
"Thisevidence is being gathered across a number of jurisdictions worldwide. As aresult, we cannot at this time announce the identity of any of the victims,”said the statement.
Essex police will continue to cooperate closely with theVietnamese Government, and others, to identify the victims and offer support toall those affected by this tragedy.
Followingthe police’s announcement, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Tran Ngoc An saiddespite being mentally prepared for the worst possible possibilities, he isshocked and deeply saddened when officially informed by the UK police. Heexpressed deep sympathy to families of the victims.
The ambassador affirmed that the embassy has been working to ensureclose 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 theembassy will continue to work with UK agencies on handling the case.
The embassy has received around 300 calls providing informationand asking for support in searching for missing people.
Essex police is hunting two suspects, Ronan Hughes and ChristopherHughes both from North Ireland, in relation to the case. Earlier, MauriceRobinson and Laurel Drive have been charged with 39 offencesof manslaughter, as well as human trafficking and immigration offences./.
