A search for potential further bodies at an Oldham mill which was the scene of a huge fire over two months ago is underway it has been confirmed.
Human remains were discovered at Bismark House Mill by demolition workers on Saturday, July 23. There had previously been a huge blaze at the commercial building on Bower Street in the Derker area of the town which broke out on Saturday, May 7 and took fire crews four days to extinguish. At that time it was believed no one was inside.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that on Thursday, July 21, they received a report that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.
READ MORE: Major police presence with fire crews at scene after body found in Oldham - live updates
A major incident has now been declared by GMP as they try to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Here is what we know about the incident so far
The information regarding the missing Vietnamese nationals came "via Vietnam", and was passed through intermediaries and then on to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) the force says.
It has been confirmed that remains relating to one person has so far been found at the mill. Their identity is not currently known. However, police say they suspect that the body is connected to the four missing people with officers from the force's major incident team currently trying to contact their families in Vietnam.
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."
"Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be immediately and appropriately progressed" he added.
The force will now be working with partner agencies to establish if there are any more human remains at the site GMP has confirmed.
Specialist forensic crime scene investigators along with fire crews and Urban Search and Rescue Teams were on the site this evening, which is now in the process of being 'locked down' in order to give those working on the investigation some privacy.
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.”
In an interview with ITV he said: "So far we have found what we believe to be human remains that may be relevant to one person. But we are working under the hypothesis that the information we have suggests there maybe up to four people involved.
"Of course, there may be more than four, or less than four, it is simply premature to tell. That will determined as the process develops over the coming days."
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward. They say they are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may know how the building was being used in the lead-up to May 7, or who has information about the fire itself.
GMP acknowledged the shock and upset the incident would cause the local and wider community and a major incident had been declared to "ensure both GMP and partner agencies respond to this incident in the most effective way" DCC Potts said.
Due to the previous contact relating to the fire and missing persons, the incident has been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch for review the force said.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has also disclosed some details regarding its response to the initial incident. They say there was "was no indication that people were inside" during their four days tackling the blaze.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Leon Parks also gave a statement at the scene this evening.
He confirmed that at the time, the decision was taken not to commit firefighters into the building due to the severity of the fire and also as the building, which was so badly damaged it was to be demolished, was deemed unsafe to enter.
These are "the correct procedures that are followed in situations like this" he said but he confirmed they would now be reviewing their response to the incident in order to be "absolutely certain."
"Could I start by saying the thoughts of everyone with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with those involved in this tragic accident and over the person who tragically lost their life and those still currently missing" he said.
"I can confirm that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended an incident at the site in May. When the fire service arrived at the scene they were met with a serious fire, a well-developed fire in the building.
"The decision was made at that time not to commit any firefighters into the building. For two reasons. Firstly, the fire was well developed and was continuing to grow.
"And secondly, there were some concerns about the structural stability of the building. We fought the fire over four days from the outside before handing the premises over.
"These are the correct procedures that are followed in situations like this. Given the devastation that's happened here, it's right that we are absolutely certain.
"That's why we are now reviewing the details of the incident and how we managed the incident.
"We will work closely with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and support them with their investigations so that justice can be served."
Andy Burnham said "no stone will be left unturned" during the investigation into the tragedy. In a statement released this evening, he promised both organisations would be "working together" to "hunt for the truth".
“The whole of Greater will be Manchester deeply saddened and shocked to hear this news and particularly the community in Oldham" he said.
“Above all else, my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased in what is a truly horrific situation.
"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.”
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I know people will be shocked and saddened by the deeply distressing findings at Bismark House Mill. We are working closely with the police and fire service as they seek to establish the full circumstances around the fire."
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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