The possibility that human trafficking played a part in the Oldham mill tragedy is one line of enquiry being investigated by detectives, the Manchester Evening News understands.
Human remains relating to two victims were discovered by demolition workers at the Bismark House Mill on Bower Street this week - more than two months after a huge blaze destroyed the building in May.
At the time of the fire it was believed nobody was inside the mill, but the grim discoveries were made on Saturday (23 July) and today (Wednesday) after GMP received reports that four missing Vietnamese nationals were feared to have been inside the building.
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The M.E.N now understands the force were alerted to the possibility by a Catholic church in London, after they were contacted by a family in Vietnam who hadn't heard from their son in over three months.
Assistant chaplain at the Vietnamese Catholic Community, Father Anthony Nguyen Tri said he was contacted by the man's family who wanted to know if their son was "dead or alive" after hearing about the fire - which started on May 7.
Father Tri said he received the call from the man's family on July 14 and after carrying out some research about the Bismark Mill blaze, informed Greater Manchester Police on July 21.
It is not known whether the man is one of the victims found inside the mill and formal identification is yet to take place. Police say they are continuing to try and contact "potential" family members in Vietnam.
Officials from the Vietnamese embassy have also been drafted in to help with the investigation and to assist with identifying the deceased. The Deputy Ambassador to the UK was pictured at the demolition site speaking to police and fire crews on Tuesday.
Detectives are said to be working around the clock to try and establish the full circumstances around the fire and how the victims came to be there. The possibility that they were trafficked is understood to be forming part of the investigation.
The M.E.N previously reported that suspicions the mill was being used as a cannabis farm is another line of enquiry police are currently looking at. Multiple sources said the site was being used to grow the class B drug.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth said the police investigation could take "many weeks." She added: "It is is incredibly sad that the remains of a second body have been found at the site and today my thoughts are with them and the horrific way they lost their life."
Although remains relating to two victims have now been found, GMP have warned that further bodies could be discovered as they continue to search the building in the coming days.
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 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."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were first called to the blaze on May 7 and spent several days extinguishing the fire. They have since admitted that no search of the premises was ever carried out as they believed nobody was inside the building.
GMFRS have confirmed that an independent review of their response to the fire will be carried out. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Parkes said: "We’re confident that officers followed the correct processes in this situation but, given the devastation that has happened here, it’s right that we are absolutely certain and that’s why we’re now gathering information on how we managed this incident and will send this to be independently reviewed in the interests of transparency and best practice. If we do discover anything that requires further action, we will of course look into it."
Greater Manchester Police has also referred itself to the force's internal Professional Standards Branch in relation to the fire and the consequent discovery of human remains there due to "previous contact relating to the fire and missing persons."
Ti meline of events
May 7 - Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are called to a huge blaze at Bismark House Mill on Bower Street in Oldham - the cause of which is still unknown.
July 14 - Assistant chaplain at the Vietnamese Catholic Community, Father Anthony Nguyen Tri receives a call from a family in Vietnam prompting fears their missing son may have been involved in a fire.
July 21 - Police are informed that four Vietnamese nationals are missing and thought to have been involved in a fire.
July 23 - Demolition workers at the site discover human remains relating to one person and police and crews from GMFRS are called.
July 25 - A major incident is declared to ensure GMP and partner agencies respond to the incident effectively.
July 26 - Officials from the Vietnamese embassy visit the demolition site and speak with investigation teams as they assist police with their investigations.
July 27 - The discovery of human remains relating to a second victim are found at the mill.
Anyone who is concerned about a missing loved one or who has information about the circumstances surrounding the fire, including activity at the premises before the seventh of May, should contact the Major Incident Room on UK callers: 0800 051 4675. International callers: (+44) 0207 459 4500. Information can also be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)
Anyone who would like to remain anonymous can share information via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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