A 34-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigating the deaths of four Vietnamese nationals believed to have been inside an Oldham mill when it caught fire.

A fire destroyed the Bismark House Mill site on 7 May last year.

But specialist police launched a search when demolition workers discovered human remains two months after the blaze.

The four victims, named by police as Uoc Van Nguyen; Cuong Van Chu; Duong Van Nguyen and Nam Thanh Lee, were recovered during a six-month search of the mill.

The suspect, a man aged 34, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, cultivation of cannabis and participation in the activities of an OCG (Organised Crime Group).

He is currently being held in custody for questioning, Greater Manchester Police said on Thursday.

Officers have also conducted searches at five residential properties and two commercial premises in Oldham and the Ashton area of Tameside, the force said.

The four victims were reported missing on 21 July 2022 – with the police and coroner working together to complete the formal identification process and organise repatriation since their bodies were found.

Who are the four victims?

Uoc Van Nguyen, 31, was in regular contact with his wife until 7 May, when he said he was in a mill, police said.

Cuong Van Chu, 39, arrived in the UK in June 2019 and stayed in regular contact with his wife and children until 7 May. His family had not heard from him since.

Duong Van Nguyen, 29, had been in the UK for about a year and also contacted his family in May – telling them how he was looking for a job and living in an “abandoned house”, the force said.

The fourth victim, 21-year-old Nam Thanh Lee, arrived in the UK in January 2022.

His family last heard from him on 4 May that year, when he said he was living in a derelict house in “Dam”, believed to be Oldham, and looking for work.

‘No stone unturned in search for answers’

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, urged the public to come forward with any information that can assist the investigation.

He said: “Though a year has passed since the fire and nine months since the discovery of these men’s remains, the criminal investigation is still very much open.

“Behind the scenes, a team of detectives have been speaking to witnesses and reviewing evidence – leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to find answers for the bereaved.”

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The DCI added: “We are really thankful to those who have assisted us with our enquiries so far but know that it is highly likely there are others out there who have information about how these men ended up in Bismark House Mill, about activity at the mill in the weeks before the fire and about the fire itself.

“As we continue to do all we can, I appeal to anyone with information to contact us directly or anonymously.”

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