Update:
Friday 1 November 2019 12:05
Detectives have urged Ronan and Christopher Hughes to come forward and hand themselves in to police in Northern Ireland.
Ronan Hughes, 40 and his brother Christopher Hughes, 34 from Armagh, Northern Ireland, are wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking in connection with the deaths of 39 people, whose bodies were found in a container in Grays last week.
Speaking in a press conference at Police Service of Northern Ireland Headquarters today in Belfast, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten said: "Today I want to make a direct appeal. Ronan and Christopher hand yourself in to police. We need you both to come forward and assist us with this investigation."
Detective Chief Inspector Stoten went on to thank the local community and members of the road haulage and shipping industries for the support they have offered so far: "I would like to thank all those from communities in Northern Ireland and Ireland, along with those in the road haulage and shipping industries, who have come forward to share information and knowledge with us. You help has been invaluable.
"We know that you are as appalled as the rest of the world following the deaths of 39 people, whose bodies were found in a container which travelled from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Grays in Essex last week.
"Finding Ronan and Christopher Hughes is crucial to our investigation and the sooner we can make this happen, the sooner we can get on with our enquires and bring those responsible for these tragic deaths to justice.
The pair are known to have links to Northern Ireland and Ireland, as well as the road haulage and shipping industries and detectives urge anyone who has been in contact with them or has any information about where they are to get in contact with us.
"You may think your information is insignificant but even the smallest detail could be vital.
"Again I would like to express my thanks to all those who have already come forward and provided us with information." said Detective Chief Inspector Stoten.
Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 or online to the
UK Police Major Incident Public Reporting site
Information can also be given 100 per cent anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org
Yesterday, Thursday 31 October, Police Service of Northern Ireland colleagues acted upon information received and
stopped a lorry believed to be connected to Ronan and Christopher Hughes. The vehicle was subsequently seized. No further arrests were made.
We would like to thank our colleagues in PSNI and An Garda Síochána, as well as communities on both sides of the border. We will continue to work with them until Ronan and Christopher Hughes come forward or are arrested.
Murder investigation launched after 39 people found dead in lorry container | Essex Police