A major incident has been declared by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after human remains were discovered at an Oldham mill.

The remains were uncovered by demolition workers at Bismark House Mill on Bower Street on Saturday (July 23).

Today (July 25) the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were called to a "well-developed fire” at the mill on Saturday, May 7 which took four days to extinguish. At the time, the fire service did not believe anyone was inside the mill.

At a press conference at the site today, assistant chief fire officer, Leon Parkes, said that the blaze was so "serious", the fire service could not allow firefighters to enter the building.

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

In a statement released today, GMP Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: "Victims and the bereaved are at the forefront of our 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 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 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 that fire.

"Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be immediately and appropriately progressed.

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

"They’re 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 been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch for review.

In a statement on the incident released today, assistant chief fire officer, Leon Parkes said: “The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the deceased and their family and friends.

“Our firefighters responded to the fire over four days and there was no indication that people were inside. The building was deemed unstable and to be demolished which meant it was unsafe to enter. These are the correct processes to follow in a situation like this but given the devastation that has happened here it’s right that we are absolutely certain and that’s why we’re now reviewing the details of how we managed this incident. It is not appropriate to comment further at this time.

“We’ll work closely with Greater Manchester Police to support them with their investigation so justice can be served.”

Anyone with information should submit it via the Major Incident Public Portal. Anyone who does not have access to internet, should make contact via 0161 856 0055 quoting Operation Logan.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.