Residents have spoken of their horror after human remains were uncovered just metres from their front doors over the weekend. The grim discovery was made by demolition workers at the site of a former mill in Oldham on Saturday (July 23), which was ravaged by a fire more than two months ago.
Bismark House Mill, Bower Street, went up in flames in the early hours of May 7 which completely tore through the building, taking a number of fire crews days to eventually put out. Ever since, the building has been slowly demolished. At the time of the blaze, it was not thought anyone was inside the building.
Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident on Monday afternoon (July 25), after fire crews and forensics spent most of the day conducting investigations at the site following the shocking discovery. It has been confirmed that remains relating to one person have so far been found at the mill, however, police say they suspect that the discovery of the body is connected to four missing Vietnamese nationals.
READ MORE What we know so far after human remains found in burnt out Oldham mill
A cordon remained in place around the site on Monday, with many small roads blocked off, keeping the area closed whilst investigations continue. Distraught residents watched on in horror from their front doors and windows. Many said they had been going about their daily lives without knowing what lay beneath the rubble.
Derker Street resident Emma Hughes remembers her young toddler waking her up around 3am on the morning of the fire in May. She said: "We saw all the smoke over the trees as my little boy had heard all the bangs and the sirens.
"I didn't know the mill was still used, I have never really seen people going in or out. I have let my child watch them knocking it down over the past few months, and it's scary to think we were just metres away from a dead body.
"The fire was so long ago now that it's really shocking to hear now they are uncovering bodies there and possibly looking for more. You wouldn't ever think this would happen."
Winnifred Leach, also of Derker Street, reflected on the news that remains were found across the street from her home of 50 years. She said: "I remember waking up after the fire and thinking it was misty outside. Then my grandson told me there had been a huge fire.
"I have lived here for 50 years and nothing like this has ever happened. It is so sad to hear there was a dead body under there whilst they were demolishing it. Who would've thought anybody would have been under all that, it's shocking."
Donna Holland, of Miles Street, opposite the site of the former mill, said she didn't see the fire on May 7, but returned home the following day to fire crews still tackling the flames. She told the M.E.N: "It's just horrible to think that someone was lying under there for all that time.
"I didn't see the fire until the day after, when it was still alight. None of us would've thought there were bodies under there, you just don't think It is going to happen across from your house."
And Sophie Berry, also of Miles Street, added: "I remember the night of the fire, my friend had called me to check I was okay because it was so close to my house. It was scary when it happened, it was just so big and so close.
"We are so shocked by this news. Construction has been going on here for ages and you can't even believe bodies could've been lying there for months."
After the discovery of the human remains, forensics and fire crews remained at the scene throughout the rest of the day. GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said officers were "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."
In a press conference at the scene, Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: “The number of bodies found may change based on the progress of the work over the coming days.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said "no stone will be left unturned" during the investigation into the tragedy. “The whole of Greater will be Manchester deeply saddened and shocked to hear this news and particularly the community in Oldham" he said.
He added: "Our firefighters at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spent several days responding to the terrible fire which was at a commercial building, with no indication there was anyone in there.
“GMFRS and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will be working together and leaving no stone unturned in the hunt for the truth on what has happened here. Until we know more, I cannot make any further comment but we will do everything we can to support GMP in its investigation so anyone involved in any wrongdoing that led to this devastating incident happening, will be brought to justice.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to submit it online via the Major Incident Public Portal here. Anyone who does not have access to internet, is asked to call 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 should call 0800 051 4675. International callers should call 020 459 4500.
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