A CHURCH boss has said the discovery of 39 dead bodies is a symptom of "the failure of the wider human family and governments" to provide safety to the world's most vulnerable and displaced people.

A 25-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation is still being held by police.

Mo Robinson from Portadown, Northern Ireland, has not been charged with any offences. 

The Bishop of Bradwell, The Right Reverend John Perumbalath, said: “I am really saddened at the horrific news that a lorry container with the bodies of 39 people was found at Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays yesterday morning.

"This is really a heartbreaking news and our thoughts and prayers are with all the loved ones and families of those who lost their lives in this tragic way."

He added: "I can’t imagine what it must have been for these members of our human family to risk their lives by choosing to get in to a closed container operated by a criminal gang.

"This and similar tragedies in the recent past are a symptom of a deeper problem – namely the failure of the wider human family and governments in providing safety to the most vulnerable and displaced people among us.

"I wish and pray that no one would ever have to undertake a journey to their death like this and that we, as global family, learn how to make life safer for everyone.”