Four bodies found after fire rips through Oldham mill as cops declare ‘major incident’

POLICE have declared a major incident after the bodies of four missing people were discovered in a mill after a fire.

The grim find was made more than a month after the blaze erupted at Bismark House Mill in Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they received a call last Thursday confirming four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.

Demolition workers then discovered the bodies at the mill on Saturday.

It came after fire crews took four days to extinguish flames at the premises after it broke out on May 7.

A major incident has been declared and the case has been referred to the forces' Professional Standards Branch for review.

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 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.

"Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be immediately and appropriately progressed."

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 0055 quoting Operation Logan.

Those concerned over a missing loved one are also being asked to contact to the Casualty Bureau on 0800 051 4675.