29/10/2019
Armagh Brothers Sought In Mass Trailer Death Probe
Two brothers from County Armagh are wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking in connection with the mass fatality discovered in a trailer in Essex last week.
Christopher Hughes, aged 34, and his brother Ronan Hughes, aged 40, are being sought after 39 bodies were discovered in a refrigerated lorry in an industrial park on Wednesday 23 October.
The brothers are from the same county as 25 year-old Maurice Robinson who was arrested at the scene in Grays last week. He has been charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.
Police said Ronan Hughes also goes by the name Rowan, and both brothers have links to the Republic of Ireland.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said finding the pair is "crucial" to their enquiries.
"At this time we believe they are in Northern Ireland but they also have links to the Irish Republic.
"If you know where they are or have any information about their whereabouts I need you to call my team.
"This is a case where 39 men and women have tragically died and support from the community is going to be vital to help bring those responsible to justice.
"You may think the piece of information might be insignificant but even the smallest detail could be vital so please contact my officers on 101."
Details can also be submitted online by accessing the UK Police Major Incident Public Reporting Site.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Three other people arrested – a 38 year-old man, a 38 year-old woman, and a 46 year-old man – have all been released on bail until November.
(JG/CM)
Christopher Hughes, aged 34, and his brother Ronan Hughes, aged 40, are being sought after 39 bodies were discovered in a refrigerated lorry in an industrial park on Wednesday 23 October.
The brothers are from the same county as 25 year-old Maurice Robinson who was arrested at the scene in Grays last week. He has been charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.
Police said Ronan Hughes also goes by the name Rowan, and both brothers have links to the Republic of Ireland.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said finding the pair is "crucial" to their enquiries.
"At this time we believe they are in Northern Ireland but they also have links to the Irish Republic.
"If you know where they are or have any information about their whereabouts I need you to call my team.
"This is a case where 39 men and women have tragically died and support from the community is going to be vital to help bring those responsible to justice.
"You may think the piece of information might be insignificant but even the smallest detail could be vital so please contact my officers on 101."
Details can also be submitted online by accessing the UK Police Major Incident Public Reporting Site.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Three other people arrested – a 38 year-old man, a 38 year-old woman, and a 46 year-old man – have all been released on bail until November.
(JG/CM)
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