UPDATE: This report was published on 01/11/2019 at 12.50pm. Since then Essex police have said that they no longer consider Christopher Hughes to be a person of interest in the Essex container tragedy case. Essex Police, who had issued a public appeal for information on the whereabouts of Christopher Hughes in October 2019, have said no further action will be taken against him in relation to the manslaughter of 39 people or people trafficking. A spokesperson for the force said Mr Hughes was initially identified as a suspect in the case based on information and evidence. The spokesperson added: "He was later the subject of a voluntary interview within the Republic of Ireland. The spokesperson said, "no further action will be taken against him".
Essex Police have urged wanted brothers Ronan and Christopher Hughes to hand themselves in.
Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten from Essex Police confirmed that they have already spoken to Ronan Hughes via telephone, as revealed on Belfast Live earlier this week.
Ronan Hughes, 40, from Co Armagh and his brother Christopher, who’s 34, and also from Co Armagh, are wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking.
The Senior Investigating Officer spoke at a media briefing in Belfast this morning.
He said: "I want to make a direct appeal today. Ronan and Christopher, hand yourselves in to the PSNI.
"We need you both to come forward and assist this investigation. Although we have already spoken to Ronan Hughes recently by telephone, we need to have a conversation with him and his brother in person.
"Talking to Ronan and Christopher is crucial to our investigation and the sooner we can make this happen the sooner we can continue with our investigation.
"It is essential that we follow all lines of enquiry and bring those responsible for these tragic events to justice.
"Ronan and Christopher Hughes are known to have links in Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as the road haulage and shipping industries.
"We urge anyone that has been in contact with them or has any information about where they are to get in contact with us.
"You may think that your information is insignificant, but even the smallest detail could be vital, so please contact us.
Detective Stoten went on to confirm that on Thursday 31 October, PSNI stopped a lorry believed to be connected to the Hughes brothers in Lisburn on Thursday, October 31.
"The vehicle was subsequently seized and no further arrests were made.
"We will continue to work with PSNI and An Garda Síochána until Ronan and Christopher Hughes have come forward or they are arrested."
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