The arrest of a lorry driver in connection with the discovery of 39 bodies in a container has led to speculation on what the law actually says. 

At this stage, a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the dead bodies of a group of Chinese nationals were discovered in a lorry in an industrial estate in Grays. 

Police have been given an extra 24 hours to quiz lorry driver Mo Robinson, from County Armagh, in Northern Ireland, which means they have until the early hours of Saturday to continue their questioning. 

He has not been charged with any offences. 

Lorry drivers and their trade bodies have long-campaigned to raise awareness of the challenges they face.

As it stands, if a lorry driver is found with immigrants in his or her container, depending the exact situation, they could face one of three charges.

Jeremy Sirrell, Partner at Palmers Solicitors, which has offices in Basildon, Rayleigh and Thurrock, said: "The extent to which a lorry driver who has transported victims of human trafficking will be considered liable depends on whether it can be proven that he or she knew they were there.

"Even if he or she did not know they were there, it is possible that an offence will have been committed."

He added: “In circumstances where the victims have died and the driver was aware of their presence, the driver could be prosecuted for murder if he or she intended to kill them, or for manslaughter if intent cannot be proven.

“Another option that prosecutors might consider is the offence of causing death by dangerous driving, however, this is less likely.”