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Thirty-nine dead bodies have been found in the back of Lorry in Essex, England, Euronews reported, citing Essex Police.

The eastern English force said they were called by colleagues from the ambulance service shortly before 1.40 a.m. Wednesday morning following the discovery of a lorry container with people inside at Waterglade Industrial Park, in Grays.

"Emergency services arrived but sadly, 39 people were pronounced dead at the scene. Early indications suggest 38 are adults and one aged in their teens.

Pippa Mills, the Essex Deputy Chief Constable told media that the lorry believed to come from Bulgaria entered the country at Holyhead on Saturday 19 October and that they were working closely with their partners on the investigation.

A 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder," Mills said.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims, however, I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled".

"I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex," Johnson said.

"I am receiving regular updates from the Home Office and will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened," he said. "My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones."

Britain's interior minister Priti Patel said she was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

"Shocked & saddened by this utterly tragic incident," Patel said on Twitter. "Essex Police has arrested an individual and we must give them the space to conduct their investigations."