39 People have been found dead in a refrigerated trailer in Essex. Firstly, I cannot imagine the horrific deaths they suffered whilst locked in a trailer. My heart goes out to them and their families. 

However, the handling of this case by Essex Police has been farcical. They reported that they had arrested a 25 year old man under the suspicion of murder. 

Murder is the killing of other human beings with intent. In other words, Essex Police believed that a 25 year old lorry driver, went to work and sought out to kill 39 people. They clearly jumped to a massive conclusion too quickly. 

It is of course expected that the driver would have "helped the police with their enquiries" however to put out into the public domain almost immediately that they suspected him of murder was wholly irresponsible. 

Then came the press conference from DCC Pippa Mills who again was quick to condemn the driver and proclaim that he had been arrested under the suspicion of murder. 

The police claimed that the driver had came from Bulgaria via Holyhead, which they described as a "suspicious route". That's because they were wrong.

It is very easy to trace a lorry and its loads yet Essex Police couldn't wait til they had established those facts before pointing the finger at the driver.

Essex Polices handling of this has dented public confidence and has brought the service into disrepute. Their integrity lies in tatters as they have aligned themselves with sensationalist journalism rather than as a professional police force. Their DCC shouldn't go gossiping on TV with little regard for what damage she is doing to the lorry driver or the image of her police service. 

Essex Police's main role is to preserve life. I suspect they have destroyed the lives of this driver and his family and they should be ashamed. In a society that bleats on about mental health awareness, is it any wonder that so many people commit suicide when even a Police Service is taking part in a "trial by media"!

If you were as embarrassed by the handling of this matter by Essex Police and in particular DCC Mills, then please sign.