Human remains have been found at a burnt mill in Oldham as police declared a major incident.
Officers say four Vietnamese people are missing and may have been involved in the blaze at the site two months ago, after human remains were discovered by demolition workers in the building.
On Saturday 7 May, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a huge blaze at the Bismark House Mill, Bower Street which took over four days to extinguish.
At the time police did not believe anyone was inside the building, but last Thursday, police received a report that four Vietnamese people were missing and could have been caught up in a fire.
Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Rob Potts, said: “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.
“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 and 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.”
He appealed to anyone with information to contact the investigation team directly or, anonymously, via Crimestoppers.
He added: “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.”
The incident has been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch for review due to previous contact relating to the fire and missing persons.
Anyone with information should submit it via the major incident public portal.
Anyone who does not have access to internet should call 0161 856 0055 quoting Operation Logan and information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone concerned about a missing loved one is advised to contact the Casualty Bureau: UK callers should ring 0800 051 4675, while international callers should phone 020 459 4500.
Featured image credit: Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue
