Further human remains found at Oldham warehouse

A major incident was declared after initial remains were found last weekend

Author: Dan DaviesPublished 27th Jul 2022
Last updated 27th Jul 2022

Further human remains have been found at a burnt-out warehouse in Oldham that went up in flames more than two months ago, which police say 'indicates a second victim'.

Specialist officers have been searching Bismark House Mill, Bower Street since an initial discovery of human remains was made last weekend, by demolition workers. This led to Greater Manchester Police declaring a major incident.

The mill was subject to a fire back in May, but it wasn't believed anybody was inside the building at the time of the blaze. Emergency services also deemed the building unsafe at the time of the fire to conduct a search.

Officers revealed earlier this week that the human remains found at the site could be those of four missing Vietnamese nationals - who were reported missing last week.

Police say that the further discover suggests that at least two people were inside the mill during the fire.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, from Greater Manchester Police 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 are 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 2022, 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.”

Hear all the latest news from across Ayrshire on the hour, every hour, at West FM. Listen on FM, via our West FM app, on your DAB radio, online at WESTFM.co.uk, or say ‘Play WEST FM’ on your Smart Speaker.