THE PRIME Minister, Boris Johnson visited Thurrock Council offices this morning to sign the Book of Condolences for the 39 people found dead in the back of a lorry in West Thurrock.
He was joined by the Hone Secretary, Priti Patel, the Chief Constable of Essex, BJ Harrington, and MP for Thurrock, Jackie Doyle-Price. The PM also laid flowers outside the offices in Mulberry Gardens.
.@BorisJohnson signs a book of condolence in honour of the 39 people who died in the back of a lorry.
A 20-year-old illegal migrant told Sky News life so bad in his home country that he "didn't care" if he died trying to escape.
Read his story here: https://t.co/zw9LRlAS35 pic.twitter.com/U8Eym0N69g
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 28, 2019
Chief Constable Harrington said: “Last week our county was shaken by this tragic event. Our thoughts continue to be with all those who have lost their lives, and also with their loved ones.
“I would like thank the emergency service workers and anyone who has come together to support this investigation in such difficult and traumatic circumstances.
“Thurrock Council has kindly opened the gardens for those who wish to pay their respects to the people who lost their lives last week.
“As we have said this will be a long and complex investigation. We will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice and would ask for patience while we ensure the identification of those who have died is carried out with dignity.”
Essex Fire and Crime Commissioner Mr Hirst said: “This is a truly tragic event and of course it has attracted a lot of attention from the media and the public. I have heard from many of our residents how shocked they have been that this has happened in our county and their heartfelt concern for the victims and their families.
“It is very important that Essex Police are being given the time and space to conduct a thorough investigation in these vital first few days. It is by letting
Essex Police do what they do best, that the victims and their families will be treated with respect and we can all be confident that everything is being done that can be done to bring those responsible to justice.
“I would like to pay tribute to the work undertaken by Essex Police and our other emergency services, including Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, and partners who have worked so hard in difficult circumstances over the last few days. I would also like to thank the Home Office, National Crime Agency, Border Force and Thurrock Council for their ongoing support.
“As the investigation proceeds and we learn more about how this tragic event has happened I would ask all of you to remember the individuals involved, the victims and their families.
“We recognise the public concern around the incident and the level of impact it is having on communities and local businesses. We thank them for their support at this difficult time. We can assure them everybody is working together to achieve the outcome the victims deserve.”
BBC Essex "Chief Constable of EssexPoliceUK BJ Harrington says his top priority is getting justice for the families of the 39 people found in a lorry in #Grays last week. A man has appeared in court this morning charged with their manslaughter. pic.twitter.com/mUyubZhILE"
— Total Essex (@TotalEssex) October 28, 2019
Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price fielded questions from the press outside the civic offices.
Ms Doyle-Price told reporters: “The problem with people trafficking is to do with too few checks being done in Belgium at the port of Zeebrugge and is not to do with under investment at Purfleet. ”
BBC Essex "#Thurrock MP JackieDP says the problem with people trafficking is to do with too few checks being done in Belgium at the port of Zebrugge and is NOT to do with under investment at Purfleet. pic.twitter.com/GFyrq3MfVi"
— Total Essex (@TotalEssex) October 28, 2019
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