A VIGIL to remember the 39 people who lost their lives in a lorry will be held tonight. 

The bodies of the people, believed to be Chinese Nationals, were found in Essex in a lorry container in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Today, campaigners are holding a vigil on the steps on the Brighton Unitarian Church to remember the dead.

At the event, held for an hour from 5.30pm and organised by Brighton and Hove Stand Up to Racism, Sanctuary on Sea and Care4Calais, people will be given the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings.

A minute silence will also be held. 

Moseley from Care4Calais said: “We are horrified to hear of the deaths of 39 vulnerable and exploited people, but not surprised. 

"The lack of safe legal routes for people to apply for asylum means that every day people who are simply seeking safety undertake dangerous journeys.

"It has become near impossible for people to come to the UK in a safe way”.

Sabby Dhalu, co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism said: “This horrific and tragic loss of life is a stark reminder of the human cost of a system which treats some of the most vulnerable people in the continent as scapegoats and numbers to be reduced. 

"The long standing demands of campaigners to ensure safe passage and treat migrants and refugees in a fair and humane manner must now be considered as a matter of urgency.”