Police are appealing for information after human remains were discovered at an Oldham mill.

A major incident was declared by Greater Manchester Police today after human remains were discovered by demolition workers at Bismark House Mill, Bower Street, on Saturday (July 23).

On May 7, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at the premises which was extinguished over four days.

It was not believed that anyone was inside the mill.

GMP subsequently received a report on Thursday (July 21) that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.

Police have urged anyone who knows how the building was being used in the lead up to May 7, or who has information about the fire itself, to get in contact.

READ > Fire service reacts to human remains found in Oldham

In a statement addressed to the public today, GMP Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “On Saturday, July 23 this year human remains were discovered by demolition workers at Bismark House Mill, Bower Street Oldham.

“Detectives from GMP’s Oldham district and the Major Incident Team have confirmed that on Saturday, May 7, this year Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at the premises which was extinguished over four days. At this time, it was not believed that anyone was inside the mill.

“GMP subsequently received a report on Thursday, July 21 that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.

"Victims and the bereaved are at the forefront of our minds during the investigations into deaths.

"As such, whilst work is ongoing to confirm the identity of the deceased, we are liaising with partner agencies to ensure potential family members in Vietnam are fully informed and supported.

“This news will understandably impact on both the local and wider community.

"I can reassure members of the public that this has been declared a major incident to ensure both GMP and partner agencies respond to this incident in the most effective way and that specialist trained officers are 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 the fire.

"Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be progressed at pace.

“On behalf of the investigation team, I appeal to anyone with information to contact us directly or, anonymously, via Crimestoppers.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knows how the building was being used in the lead up to the seventh of May or who has information about the fire itself.

“Due to previous contact relating to the fire and missing persons, this incident has now been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch for review."