AN International Arrest warrant has been executed in Italy this afternoon (Thursday, 10 June) relating to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese whose bodies were discovered in a lorry container in Grays.

A 27-year-old man was detained by Italian authorities and officers from the National Crime Agency just outside Milan.

The arrest is in relation to Essex Police's ongoing investigation which resulted in a number of convictions earlier this year.

The Crown Prosecution Service sought approval of the warrant on behalf of Essex Police.

Courts then granted the warrant, and Dragos Damian was able to be arrested today.

He has been charged with conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence.

An Essex police statement this evening said: "We await details of a court appearance in Italy."