Lorry deaths: Eight arrested in Vietnam over discovery of 39 bodies in refrigerated trailer

Arrests come as Vietnamese diplomats are expected to meet with British counterparts

Related video: Essex lorry deaths trailer moved as investigation continues (PA)

Police in Vietnam have arrested eight people in connection to the discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry in Essex last month, state media said on Monday.

“Based on what we learn from the suspects, we will actively launch investigations to fight and eradicate these rings which bring people illegally to Britain,” said Nguyen Huu Cau, police chief of Nghe An province, according to the official Vietnam News Agency.

On Friday, Vietnamese police arrested two people and summoned others for questioning on suspicion of involvement in the incident.

The arrests follow an announcement on Friday from Essex Police stating that all 39 victims are believed to be Vietnamese nationals.

On Sunday, a delegation of Vietnamese diplomats and police left for Britain where they were expected to meet with their British counterparts, Vietnam’s official government website said on Monday.

Detectives found 39 bodies in the back of a refrigerated lorry on an industrial park in Grays, Essex on 23 October.

The lorry’s driver, Maurice Robinson, has been charged with manslaughter and trafficking offences.

A second man, Eamonn Harrison, was charged in Ireland in connection to the incident and is the subject of an extradition request from UK authorities.

Agencies contributed to this report