Bismark House Mill fire: second victim discovered at Oldham site as Vietnam link probed

Police have found more human remains indicating the discovery of a second victim at a mill in Greater Manchester.

Specialist officers made the grim find at Bismark House Mill on Bower Street in Oldham, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said on Wednesday (27 July).

Human remains were initially found at the mill, which had been the site of a large blaze which took days for emergency services to fully extinguish back in May, on Saturday (23 July) by demolition workers.

Police, though, say that at the forefront of their minds as they continue to investigate is a report they received shortly before that which said four people from Vietnam were missing and could have been involved in a fire.

Further searches will therefore continue at the site, police said, and the force is also in communication with people in Vietnam about what is happening.

What have police said about the latest discovery at the mill?

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: “We are carrying out an extensive search of the remnants of the mill to ensure any further human remains are recovered in a way which is respectful to both the deceased and the bereaved.

“Meanwhile, our Major Incident Team is continuing to liaise with partner agencies to ensure potential family members in Vietnam are fully informed and supported.

“Though we’ve now recovered human remains to suggest that at least two people were in the mill during the fire, we remain conscious of the report we received, on Thursday 21 July, that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.

“Alongside the search and recovery efforts, extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire. Any criminal offences identified as part of this will be progressed immediately and appropriately.

“It is fundamental that those involved in this incident are provided with honest and accurate information at all times.

“We are, sadly, aware that speculative and inaccurate information has been reported but can reassure those affected that Greater Manchester Police will provide updates at appropriate times, having verified the information and followed the correct procedures.”

What should anyone with information or anyone who is concerned about someone do?

GMP said information about the fire at the mill can be passed on to the force via the Major Incident Public Portal or through the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone concerned about a loved one who is missing should contact the major incident room. For UK callers the number is 0800 051 4675, while for international callers it is (+44) 0207 459 4500.

The major incident room will also receive information about the circumstances surrounding the fire, including activity at the premises before 7 May when the blaze broke out,