CHARITY volunteers have signed a book of condolences as the investigation into 39 bodies that were found in Grays.

On Wednesday, The British Red Cross signed the book of condolence to pay their respects to the 39 victims of the tragic incident in Eastern Avenue on October 23.

Thurrock Council worked with the British Red Cross to provide the welfare and emotional support for emergency responders at Eastern Avenue and Tilbury Port during their onsite investigations.

Leader of the council Rob Gledhill said: “I would like to personally thank the British Red Cross for the support they have provided Essex Police and our partners at both crime scenes during this investigation.

"I am extremely proud of the way our blue light services, council officers and all other partners have responded in the wake of such a tragedy and its important their personal health and well-being is supported. The support the British Red Cross were able to provide in the moment has been crucial for our partners.

“I am delighted to confirm that Thurrock Council will be donating £5,000 to the British Red Cross as a thank you for their time and support during this difficult time.

“I would like to urge members of the Thurrock Community to consider becoming a Community Reserve Volunteer for the British Red Cross.”

Essex Police are in the process of extraditing Eamonn Harrison, 22, from Northern Ireland, who was arrested in Dublin on a European Arrest Warrant in connection with the case.

He has been charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to commit a human trafficking and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

Ronan and Christopher Hughes, also from Northern Ireland, are still being sought by police, while Maurice Robinson, 25, will next appear at the Old Bailey later this month.

Helen Sipthorp, Area Director of Crisis Response for the British Red Cross, said: “The tragedy in Grays last month was tough for everyone involved. We were glad to provide support to all those working at the scene in such sad circumstances.

“We’re really grateful to Thurrock Council for their generous donation, which will help us continue our crisis response work in the community.”