31-year-old man from Vietnam confirmed as victim of mill fire in Oldham

Uoc Van Nguyen

Police have confirmed that human remains recovered from Bismark House Mill in Oldham belonged to Uoc Van Nguyen.

The remains were identified using fingerprint analysis, and further DNA testing is being carried out.

Uoc was one of four Vietnamese nationals, who were reported missing to the police on Thursday 21 July 2022, and may have been inside the mill during a fire on Saturday 7 May 2022.

At the time of the fire, it was believed that there were no people inside.

The 31-year-old maintained regular contact with his wife until the date of the fire, at which time he said he was in a mill.

Teams have been searching the remnants of the mill since demolition workers discovered human remains on 23 July.

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.”

There are three outstanding missing Vietnamese nationals.

Cuong Van Chu, aged 39. Cuong arrived in the UK in June 2019. He maintained regular contact with his wife and children but they have not heard from him since Saturday 7 May 2022.

Duong Van Nguyen, aged 29. Duong arrived in the UK approximately 12 months ago. He last contacted his family approximately three months ago, at which time he said he was residing in ‘an abandoned house’ whilst looking for work.

Nam Thanh Lee, aged 21. Nam arrived in the UK in January 2022. He last contacted his family on Wednesday 4 May 2022, at which time he said he was residing in ‘a derelict house’ in ‘Dam’, believed to be Oldham, whilst looking for work.

Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police via 101. International callers can contact GMP via +441618725050. Information can also be submitted in English or Vietnamese via the Major Incident Public Portal.

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