Police in Vietnam have arrested two people on suspicion of involvement in the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found in the back of a lorry in Grays, Essex, last week. 

After 10 Vietnamese families reported their relatives missing, fearing they were among the 39 victims, Ha Tinh regional police launched a criminal investigation into suspected human trafficking, a statement posted on the website said.

Two people have been arrested and others brought in for questioning, it said. The investigation would also look at similar incidents that occurred over the last five years.

On October 26, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ordered an investigation into alleged human trafficking activities after British police said at least some of the truck dead may have come from the Southeast Asian country.

Meanwhile, Essex Police has started extradition proceedings to bring Eamonn Harrison from Ireland to the UK to face charges of manslaughter over the deaths. 

A statement said: “A European Arrest Warrant has been executed in Dublin today, Friday 1 November, in connection with the Essex Police investigation in to the deaths of 39 people who were found in a lorry trailer in Grays last week.

“A 23-year-old man from Northern Ireland, is charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, as well as human trafficking and immigration offences.

“He has appeared before the High Court, Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin, and remanded in custody. Essex Police has started extradition proceedings to bring him to the UK.”