Human remains were discovered in a burnt-out mill 11 weeks after a brutal fire - prompting police to declare a major incident.
Greater Manchester Police found human remains at the scene almost three months after the raging inferno was reported.
On Saturday (July 23), demolition workers at Bismark House Mill in Oldham, Greater Manchester made the grisly discovery - 11 weeks after the fire.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at the premises which was extinguished over four days on May 7.
At the time, it was not believed that anyone was inside the mill.
But now officers delivered the tragic news that last week they got a tip claiming several missing people may have been involved.
GMP reported four Vietnamese nationals were reported as missing and may have been involved in a fire.
Demolition workers made the horrifying discovery while cleaning up after the massive fire gutted the large warehouse-type building back in May.
Police said they are referring the incident to their Professional Standards Branch for review due to "previous contact relating to the fire and missing persons".
Officers have appealed to the public for information on how the building was being used before the fire in May.
The huge blaze saw more than 50 firefighters converge on the property back in the early hours of May 7, with nearby residents warned to keep doors and windows closed.
The building, named in reports at the time as a tile and bathroom warehouse in Oldham called The Tile Shop, was gutted by flames in a massive blaze.
The inferno was so enormous it saw local roads closed and almost 70 999 calls from concerned members of the public.
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.
“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, the force said.
Anyone with information should submit it via the Major Incident Public Portal. Anyone who does not have access to internet, should make contact via 0161 856 0055 quoting Operation Logan.
Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who is concerned about a missing loved one is advised to contact the Casualty Bureau. UK callers: 0800 051 4675. International callers: 020 459 4500
