Police have confirmed human remains discovered in an Oldham mill following a devastating blaze belong to a married man from Vietnam. Uoc Van Nguyen, 31, had kept in touch with his wife and told her he was in a mill.
He was one of four Vietnamese nationals feared dead after human remains were found at Bismark House Mill on Bower Street. GMP declared a major incident after they were discovered by demolition workers, more than two months after a huge blaze ripped through the building in May.
At that time of the fire, it was believed no-one was inside. Officers have now confirmed the remains belonged to Uoc, using fingerprint analysis.
The Manchester Evening News understands the mill was being used as a suspected cannabis farm. Three people are still missing, including a married father, and two men who told their families they were living in an 'abandoned' or 'derelict' house while looking for work.
A senior detective said an investigation into why the four men were in the mill is ongoing. Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, GMP’s Victim Identification lead, said: "On behalf of all involved in Operation Logan, I send condolences to Uoc’s wife and his loved ones. Specially trained officers are in direct contact with them and to ensure they are fully updated and supported.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish why Uoc and other, currently unidentified, individuals were in the mill during the fire. Anyone with information which may assist us should contact Greater Manchester Police or Crimestoppers, anonymously."
Three other men are still missing and feared dead. Married father Cuong Van Chu, 39, arrived in the UK in June 2019. He remained in regular contact with his wife and children but they have not heard from him since Saturday, May 7.
Duong Van Nguyen, 29, arrived in the country about a year ago and last spoke with his family around three months ago. He told them he was living in an 'abandoned house' while looking for work.
Nam Thanh Lee arrived in the UK in January and last contacted his family on Wednesday, May 4. The 21-year-old said was living in a 'derelict house' in ‘Dam’, believed to be Oldham, while job seeking.
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