
Two people arrested by police investigating the deaths of four people following a fire at a disused mill in Oldham have now been bailed.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team and Oldham district executed warrants at two properties on Thursday morning (18 August).
Two people were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and drugs and organised crime offences but police confirmed on Friday morning (19 August) that they have been bailed.
Human remains indicating four victims have been recovered from the remnants of the Bower Street mill, which was subject to a huge fire on 7 May.
Partial human remains have been identified, through fingerprint analysis, as belonging to Uoc Van Nguyen, 31, from northern Vietnam.
It is believed that three other Vietnamese nationals, who were also reported missing on 21 July 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 7 May 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 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.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the families in Vietnam. They are being fully updated and supported by specially-trained officers, as we try to find the answers we need and they deserve.
“These arrests are part of our enquiries to establish why Uoc and three other, currently unidentified, individuals were in the mill during the fire. We are making progress but our investigation is very much ongoing.
“Anyone with information which may assist us should contact Greater Manchester Police or Crimestoppers, anonymously.”
Anyone with information should contact GMP 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: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)
Anyone who would like to remain anonymous can share information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.