LISTEN: Hunt continues for Co.Armagh brothers following discovery of 39 bodies in Essex

By Q Radio news

Police investigating the deaths of 39 people found dead in a lorry have named two suspects they want to speak to on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking.

Essex Police released pictures of Ronan Hughes, 40, and his brother Christopher, 34, both from from Armagh in Northern Ireland, on Tuesday.

The pair are both wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking.

According to the force, Ronan Hughes, who also goes by the name Rowan, and Christopher Hughes have links to Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

Alan McQuillan is a former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable and ex-head of the Assets Recovery Agency.

He's been updating Q Radio on the investigation:

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, who is leading the investigation, said: "Finding and speaking to the Hughes brothers is crucial to our investigation.

"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."

The bodies of eight women and 31 men were found in a refrigerated trailer attached to a lorry in an industrial park in Grays in the early hours of last Wednesday.

Mo Robinson, 25, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration, and money laundering.

Three other people arrested in connection with the incident - a 38 year-old man, a 38 year-old woman, and a 46 year-old man - have all been released on bail until November.