Vietnamese men who were killed in a mill fire in Oldham earlier this year have now been formally identified using DNA samples from family members.

Partial remains of all four victims were found at the site of Bismark House Mill, Bower Street, in July 2022 after a fire broke out in May.

Throughout Autumn, eight Greater Manchester Police officers went to Vietnam to speak to family members, obtain statements and collect DNA samples which are required for criminal and coronial proceedings.

GMP took the information from 18 individuals across different regions and spoke to Vietnamese officials, including government and law enforcement, during the visit.

Now, all four victims have been officially identified as Uoc Van Nguyen, Cuong Van Chu, Duong Van Nguyen and Nam Thanh Lee. 

A file has been passed from GMP to His Majesty's Coroner and inquests are due to be opened in the coming weeks.

The partial remains of the victims were discovered by demolition workers on July 23, 2022, though a fire had taken place the month before on May 7.

The criminal investigation currently remains open with the team having previously arrested two individuals who are still on bail.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, Gold Commander for Operation Logan, said: “The thoughts of all involved in this operation remain with these men’s loved ones in Vietnam.

"Though we have been liaising with them for several months, this development will understandably be upsetting.

“Since the first discovery at the end of July, GMP and partner agencies have completed a huge amount of work, both at the site and behind the scenes, to enable the completion of essential oversees enquiries.

"The deployment to Vietnam enabled us to obtain essential statements and DNA samples but also to meet the families face-to-face, to ensure the service they receive is not compromised by the distance between Greater Manchester and Vietnam.

“Though the identification is an important milestone for the operation, our work is far from over.

"At the site, work will continue until the search is complete.

"Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the criminal investigation team will exhaust all lines of enquiry to ensure any criminal offences are identified and those responsible face justice.

“I would like to use this opportunity to publicly thank the local community and our partner agencies for supporting this operation.

"Not forgetting our officers and staff, who are leaving no stone unturned in investigating the circumstances surrounding these deaths and finding answers for the families.”

Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police via 101.

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.