EXCLUSIVE

"An estimated £600,000 worth of vehicles and parts were recovered"

A MAJOR Police operation today (Tuesday, 23 June) has uncovered an alleged major crime site in Thurrock – that may have been used for human trafficking.

Thurrock Nub News has been watching events at the industrial site close to Orsett Golf Club after tip-offs from local people – which were also shared with police who joined with other agencies today to mount a major raid.

Acting with a warrant a number of agencies including environmental enforcement officers from Thurrock Council descended on the site – adjacent to Collingwood Farm and some several hundred yards past the entrance to the golf club.

The site has been a source of concern for local residents for a number of years – with allegations of illegal dumping in the area, including dead livestock – but previous investigations, including a probe by Thurrock Council at the instigation of the Thurrock Independent after complaints from residents on the nearby Bonners Estate, failed to find anything untoward.

However, today brought a major event. An Essex police statement released this evening says: "We attended a site on Brentwood Road following intelligence that the site may be being used for criminal activity, including immigration crime.

"A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer in the course of their duty.

"He was further arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicles and handling stolen goods after an estimated £600,000 worth of vehicles and parts were recovered from inside several shipping containers.

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"We were joined by partner agencies, including environmental enforcement officers from Thurrock Council, and our officers remain on site as we continue to search more than 80 shipping containers."

Chief Inspector Richard Melton, District Commander for Thurrock, said: "We work very closely with our partners to build an informed picture of what's believed to be going on in our local area.

"That's why warrants like today are important – without reports from members of the public, our officers may not be able to act. Thank you for trusting us."