'Don't lose sight of the real people,' says reverend

The bodies of the 39 victims were found in a back of a lorry in Grays on 23 October 2019

A clergyman who helped support a community in the aftermath of 39 bodies being discovered in a lorry has said it was important to "never lose sight" of the victims on the fifth anniversary of the tragedy.

The Reverend Canon Darren Barlow was area dean in Thurrock, Essex, when the Vietnamese migrants lost their lives suffocating inside the airtight container, found in Grays on 23 October 2019.

Eleven people have been convicted in the UK over the case, which saw the victims pay significant sums of money for a "VIP" route into Europe.

"We should never lose sight of the real people in the midst of all this," said Mr Barlow.

The memorial was unveiled in 2022

He told how the unveiling two years ago of a tribute in West Thurrock Memorial Ground - close to where the lorry container had been found - with a tree planted for each life lost had a profound effect.

A stone tablet was also inscribed with all of the victims' names, and the ceremony was attended by police and ambulance chiefs, members of the Vietnamese embassy, as well as the families and friends of those who died.

Afterwards everyone went to a community hall, so people could talk and watch a video.

The victims' belongings were returned to Vietnam in August

"In Vietnamese culture the third anniversary of the death is a really significant one so in 2022 it felt right that there should be some marking of what happened... within West Thurrock," said Mr Barlow.

"I've got very clear memories of the mother of one of the youngest victims being present and just as distraught as she would have been when she first heard about her son's death.

"It was a very, very poignant occasion.

"I'm no longer in Thurrock, so I've not been to the recreation ground for some time, but that hopefully will develop into a place of beauty and peace as the trees continue to grow."

Mr Barlow said seeing the mother's anguish - combined with a BBC documentary that detailed Essex police officers piecing together their biggest ever murder investigation - had brought home the nature of the suffering.

The Vietnamese migrants travelled by ferry from Belgium to Purfleet before the trailer was opened in Grays

The Vietnamese men, women and children paid fees rising to £13,000 for what they believed to be a safe passage to the UK.

Their bodies were discovered after the container they were in was transported by ferry from Belgium to Purfleet.

Mr Barlow, who now serves in Shenfield, said he was on holiday at the time of the "dreadful event", but had helped to ensure people could find comfort at Grays parish church.

"There was an opportunity for people to light candles or be still and for colleagues to be available to chat, pray and be there," he said.

"I think with situations like this, the church has a long-standing role of just being there."