THURROCK will come together this Sunday (25 October) to remember the 39 Vietnamese men, women and young people who lost their lives seven years ago.

A memorial service will take place at West Thurrock Memorial Park, Hilltop Road, to honour those whose bodies were discovered in a lorry in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, on 23 October 2019.

The annual commemoration provides an opportunity for the community to reflect on the lives lost, offer continued support to their families and loved ones, and remember a tragedy that deeply affected Thurrock and communities around the world.

Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr William Cook, will attend the service alongside fellow councillors and members of the community to pay tribute to the victims.

The ceremony will take place at the permanent memorial, where 39 trees have been planted in memory of each person who lost their life.

Cllr Cook said: "Seven years have passed since this terrible tragedy, but the memory of the 39 lives lost remains deeply felt here in Thurrock and far beyond.

"Each of those men, women and young people had hopes and aspirations for the future. As we come together to remember them, our thoughts remain with their families, friends and loved ones who continue to live with their loss.

"We also remember the extraordinary compassion shown by our emergency services, faith leaders, council staff, community organisations, and residents in the aftermath of the tragedy. Their kindness and care demonstrated the very best of our community at an immensely difficult time.

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"This memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of every individual and support those who may be vulnerable or at risk.

"On behalf of Thurrock Council and our residents, I offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the 39 victims. They will never be forgotten."

The inaugural memorial event.

The permanent memorial was unveiled in October 2022, alongside 39 trees, each representing one of the people who lost their lives.

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