A murder investigation has been launched after 39 bodies were found inside a lorry container - including one teenage body.

A murder investigation has been launched after the discovery at 1.40am this morning in Waterglade Industrial Park, Eastern Avenue, Grays - Basildon, Canvey and Southend Echo reports.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but upon arrival, 39 people were pronounced dead.

It is understood that 38 are adults and one is a teenager.

Police arrested a 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland on suspicion of murder.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner, of Essex Police, said: "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims, however I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria and entered the country at Holyhead on Saturday 19 October and we are working closely with our partners to investigate.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue.

"I appreciate this cordon is going to disrupt the activity of local businesses in the area and we will work to ensure that disruption is kept as short as possible.

"We are working with Thurrock Council to mitigate against any impact our investigation scene will have locally."

A cordon has been put in place and access to and from the Waterglade Industrial Park remains closed.