Investigators continue to search the site of a fire ravaged former mill in Oldham searching for the remains of other bodies
Human remains were found on Bower Street human by demolition workers at Bismark House Mill on Saturday and police believe they could be those of four missing Vietnamese people
Police are currently trying to contact their families in Vietnam. So far one body has been discovered it is understood
The Guardian has been told that it could take months to identify the victims
Debbie Abrahams, the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said the remains are “skeletal” and that it is not yet clear if they belong to one or more people.
It is also being reported that Police are investigating whether the remains of four Vietnamese who perished in a fire were victims of human trafficking.
Police had received a report on Thursday 21 July that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at the premises which was extinguished over four days. At this time, it was not believed that anyone was inside the mill.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “Victims and the bereaved are at the forefront of our investigations into deaths. As such, whilst work is ongoing to confirm the identity of the deceased, we are liaising with partner agencies to ensure potential family members in Vietnam are fully informed and supported.
“This news will understandably impact both the local and wider community. I can reassure members of the public that this has been declared a major incident to ensure both GMP and partner agencies respond to this incident in the most effective way. Also, that specialist officers are following every line of enquiry to confirm the identity of the deceased, if anyone else was inside the mill during the fire, and the full circumstances surrounding that fire. Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be immediately and appropriately progressed.
“On behalf of the investigation team, I appeal to anyone with information to contact them directly or, anonymously, via Crimestoppers. They’re particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knows how the building was being used in the lead up to the seventh of May or who has information about the fire itself.”
Due to previous contact relating to the fire and missing persons, this incident has been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch for review.
