A YEAR ago today, 39 people were found dead in a lorry in Grays.

The mass grave was discovered at the Waterglade Industrial Estate in the early hours of the morning on October 23, 2019.

They were subsequently declared dead at the scene and a huge police investigation was launched.

The discovery was covered by news organisations around the world, and prompted a huge surge of grief and sadness in Essex. 

Essex Police today have released a memorial honouring the Vietnamese nationals that were found in the lorry.

A spokesman said: "Today we remember the 39 people who lost their lives on our shores in Grays one year ago today.

"May they rest in peace."

Haulier boss Ronan Hughes, 41, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, and Maurice Robinson, 26, Craigavon in Northern Ireland, the driver of the lorry at the time of the discovery, have admitted 39 counts of manslaughter. 

Since the discovery, around 1,300 people have worked on the investigation to determin what happened and how the victims died.