Essex lorry deaths: Channel 4 postpones Smuggled reality show after 39 bodies found

New series was set to follow British citizens attempting to enter the UK by evading border checks

Channel 4 has postponed the broadcast of its new reality show Smuggled following the discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry in Essex.

The bodies were found in the early hours on 23 October. Police have since confirmed that the eight women and 31 men were Chinese nationals. The vehicle’s 25-year-old driver, Mo Robinson, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Smuggled, a new series in which members of the public attempt to enter the UK by evading border checks, was due to air on Monday 28 October.

The reality show records the journey of eight British citizens as they attempt to enter Britain from a variety of locations around Europe.

Channel 4 said it had commissioned the show when the UK was preparing to “take back control” through Brexit and increase border security.

The promotional material stated: “From boats to lorries, ferries to car boots, all of the contributors attempt routes that have been used by those seeking to enter the country clandestinely or by people traffickers and drug dealers.”

A Channel 4 spokesperson told The Guardian: “In light of the tragic events today, we have postponed the transmission of the series.”