Police find THIRD victim of mill fire amid fears four migrants died

Police find remains of THIRD victim of mill fire amid fears up to four Vietnamese migrants were killed in four-day long blaze in May

• A third body has been found after the building was burnt down three months ago
• Police believe four Vietnamese nationals were trapped inside during the fire 
• It took four days for the Bismark House Mill in Greater Manchester to be put out
• Police are exploring whether the four people were victims of human trafficking

Police have found a third body in a mill where suspected human trafficking victims were being held three months after a blaze ripped through the building.

It is believed that four Vietnamese nationals, who were reported missing on July 21, were inside Bismark House Mill in Oldham, Greater Manchester, during the fire on May 7.

Specialist officers declared a major incident and began the search of the fire remains after the first set of remains were discovered by demolition workers two weeks ago.

It took four days for firefighters to put out the blaze, but they believed at the time that no one was inside the building.

The first set of remains were discovered by demolition workers two weeks ago and a major incident was declared

It took four days for firefighters to put out the blaze ripping Bismark House Mill in Oldham, Greater Manchester

The possibility they were victims of human trafficking is among the lines of inquiry being considered by police, MailOnline understands. 

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: ‘I speak on behalf of all involved in this operation when I say that our thoughts are with the potential family members in Vietnam.

‘Specially trained officers have been in direct contact with them and continue to liaise with partner agencies to ensure they are fully updated and supported.

‘At the scene, extensive search and recovery work continues to ensure any further remains are respectfully recovered.

‘Meanwhile, the investigation team is following several lines of enquiry relating to the fire and activities at the mill beforehand.

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

Police have been in direct contact with the family of the victims in Vietnam, but the remains of a suspected fourth victim have not yet been found

‘Anyone with information which may assist us should contact Greater Manchester Police or Crimestoppers, anonymously.’  

Oldham councillor Aftab Hussain said: ‘It’s very worrying if the Vietnamese people were being kept in a mill like that.

‘It does concern me that there may have been some human trafficking involved here. It needs thoroughly investigating.

‘If anything illegal is found to have happened, anyone involved should be brought before the courts and punished.’  

The cause of the fire has not been revealed. 

Assistant chief fire officer for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Leon Parkes said firefighters followed correct procedures when a decision was made not to enter the mill, due to concerns about the fire and the building’s structural stability.

But he said there would be a review of the incident and how it was managed.

The incident was also referred to Greater Manchester Police’s Professional Standards Branch for review.

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