Residents have spoken about their shock after more human remains were discovered at a demolished mill in Oldham. Police confirmed today (July 27) that more human remains were uncovered at the former Bismark House Mill indicating that there were two victims.
According to local residents the remains were believed to have been recovered last night, just before 9pm (July 26). With a section of Bower Street cordoned off and specialist officers in hazmat suits and masks surveying the site, a local resident who works near the mill spoke to the MEN about their shock regarding the discovery.
Speaking to the MEN one neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "If you had told me there were people in there I wouldn't have believed you. I've worked here for ages and there was never any actions, no movement and the lights were never on. It was always quiet."
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Another local resident described the moment the building was engulfed in flames.
They said: "I was here when it was on fire, we had cans blowing across the road. It was huge. I never saw anything suspicious, to me it was always just a mill full of tiles. It’s sad isn’t it, you never know what’s going on next door do you?”
Another resident simply proclaimed: "It's something you never expect to happen on your doorstep."
The first human remains were uncovered by demolition workers at the site at on Saturday (July 23). This came two months after a fire ripped through the building.
Police - who declared a major incident on Monday afternoon - and fire crews have been searching for the possibility of further bodies. Now, more remains have been found.
Officers believe they indicate a second victim. Police said they 'remain conscious' of the report they received on Thursday, that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.
They are continuing to try and contact potential family members in Vietnam. 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.
“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.”
Yesterday, the M.E.N reported how the demolished mill was being used as a suspected cannabis farm.
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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