Fourth victim of Derker mill fire confirmed

More human remains recovered from the Bismark House Mill on Bower Street in Derker mean a fourth victim has now been confirmed.

Teams have been searching the remnants of the mill, which was subject to a fire on Saturday, May 7, 2022, since demolition workers discovered human remains on Saturday, July 23, 2022.

Partial human remains have been identified, through fingerprint analysis, as belonging to Uoc Van Nguyen.

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.

It is believed that three other Vietnamese nationals, who were also reported missing to GMP on Thursday, July 21, 2022, may have been inside.

Cuong Van Chu (39) 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, May 7, 2022.

Duong Van Nguyen (29) 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 (21) arrived in the UK in January, 2022.

He last contacted his family on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at which time he said he was residing in ‘a derelict house’ in ‘Dam’, believed to be Oldham, whilst looking for work.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, GMP’s Victim Identification lead, said: “Our thoughts remain with the families in Vietnam, who are being fully updated and supported by specially-trained officers.

“Though we have now recovered human remains confirming four victims and are in the process of formal identification, the search of the site will continue until there is no realistic likelihood of recovering further human remains or objects of significance.

"It is, therefore, likely to continue for several more weeks.

“Meanwhile, officers from our Major Incident Team are continuing to follow 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.

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

Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police via 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

International callers can contact GMP via +441618725050.

Information can also be submitted in English or Vietnamese via the Major Incident Public Portal here

Anyone who would like to remain anonymous can share information via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111.

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