The lorry still containing the bodies of 39 people was driven away by police from the industrial estate where the grim discovery was made.

Police have now searched two addresses in Northern Ireland as officers continue to question a man over the discovery of 39 bodies in a refrigerated lorry trailer.

A trio of officers on motorbikes arrived at the crime scene just after 4.30pm as the lorry was being prepared to be removed.

Speaking at the police cordon, Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said the victims will be treated will "dignity" as investigations continue.

She said: "In order to ensure we maintain the dignity of people who sadly lost their lives, we will be moving the lorry and the trailer shortly.

"Once that movement has happened, we will remain here to complete some scene examinations before we can allow all the business operations back to their premises.

"I would like to thank them for their cooperation and support throughout the day."

She added: "This matter has attracted national and international interest and it is absolutely imperative that the operation is conducted with the upmost respect for the 39 people who have lost their lives.

"The lorry and the trailer will be moved to a secure location at Tilbury Docks so the bodies can be recovered while reserving the dignity of the victims.

"We are yet to identify them and must manage this sensitively with their families.

"I appreciate how much this attention will continue to attract and the public and media appetite to understand what happened.

"We also need to understand what has happened and Essex Police will be working with all our partners to ensure this happens as quickly as possible.

"I remind you we have a 25-year-old man in custody on the suspicion of murder.

"May I remind you all that we have a 25-year-old man in custody on suspicion of murder.

"I will not be commenting on speculation of the identity of this man."

She stressed it would be a "lengthy" enquiry.

She appealed for anybody with information that may help the investigation to contact Essex Police.