Refugee crisis: Investigation launched after bodies of two men thought to be migrants found inside transit case in Staffordshire warehouse

Police called to boiler manufacturers Ferroli after the bodies were discovered by workmen

The discovery was made at the Ferroli premises in Burton-upon-Trent

An investigation has been launched into the death of two men thought to be migrants after their bodies were found inside a transit crate in a warehouse.

Police were called to Italian-owned boiler manufacturers Ferroli in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, after the bodies were discovered by workmen.

The wooden crate was part of a consignment of boilers that left northern Italy on 5 October and entered the UK by ferry from Dunkirk to Dover three days later.

Detectives say it arrived at the warehouse the same day and remained untouched until workers became suspicious due to the crate’s “unpleasant smell and appearance” on 17 November.

They found the bodies after opening the crate and contacted the police. Both bodies – believed to be men under 30 – were taken to Royal Stoke Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

The warehouse was cordoned off and forensics officers were called to the scene. Staffordshire Police has launched an investigation into their deaths.

It is believed they were helped into the crate by a third person before it arrived in the UK.

Detective Chief Constable Dave Giles, who is leading the investigation, said: “It is apparent both men had been dead for some time.

“Based on the information available this time, the men are likely to be migrants who had secreted themselves in a wooden transit crate to enable their entry into the UK.

“We are almost certain they were helped to conceal themselves amongst the delivery load by a third party.

“In view of this, we are treating the deaths as suspicious and will be carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances.

“Our priorities are to identify the bodies and repatriate them to their bereaved families and also to identify anyone who is involved in facilitating the illegal movement of people into the UK.

“It is likely this investigation will take some time and will require close partnership working with colleagues from the National Crime Agency, Border Force and Immigration Enforcement.

“This is clearly a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the men, who must have been extremely uncomfortable in their final moments, and their as yet untraced families and friends, who will undoubtedly be very concerned having not heard from their loved ones for considerable time.

“We are treating the men with the utmost respect and dignity, and will continue to do so.

“Tackling organised crime and protecting vulnerable people are key priorities for Staffordshire Police.”

Ferroli manufactures domestic and commercial boilers and was founded in Italy in 1955. It now operates in 14 countries in Europe and Asia. The company was unavailable for comment.