Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said ‘no stone will be left unturned’ in the ‘hunt for truth’ after human remains were found at an Oldham mill.

Police declared a major incident yesterday after human remains were found at Bismark House Mill by demolition workers on Saturday (July 23).

Detectives from GMP’s Oldham district and Major Incident Team yesterday confirmed that on Saturday, May 7, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at the mill which took four days to put out. At this time, it was not believed that anyone was inside the mill.

On Thursday, GMP received a report that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire. Detectives are currently trying to contact their families.

So far one body has been discovered at the Bismark House Mill with a multi-agency search for any potential further remains currently underway.

Police have said they suspect the discovery of the body is connected to the four missing Vietnamese nationals.

Speaking yesterday, Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes from GMP said “The number of bodies found may change based on the progress of the work over the coming days.”

In a statement in response to the incident, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who oversees the fire service and the police in his roles as Fire Commissioner and Police and Crime Commissioner for the region, has vowed both organisations will work together to uncover the truth.

Mr Burnham said: “The whole of Greater Manchester will be deeply saddened and shocked to hear this news and particularly the community in Oldham.

“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.”