A MAN has admitted his involvement in the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found in the back of a lorry.

Alexandru Hanga, of Hobart Road, Tilbury, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration under section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971.

He entered his plea when appearing at the Old Bailey via video link earlier today (Friday, June 26).

Police say Hanga, 28, will appear in court for sentencing at a later date.

The 39 victims, who were all Vietnamese nationals, were found dead in a refrigerated lorry in Grays, back on October 23 last year.