Search of Bismark House Mill site concludes

The search of the Bismark House site has today (Friday 27 January 2023) concluded, after almost six months.

The premises was subject to a fire on Saturday 7 May 2022 and teams have been searching the remnants since demolition workers discovered human remains on Saturday 23 July 2022.

Partial remains of four victims have been recovered during the search. Uoc Van Nguyen, Cuong Van Chu, Duong Van Nguyen and Nam Thanh Lee were formally identified using DNA samples from family members in Vietnam.  

The criminal investigation remains open, with the team previously arresting two individuals who are still on bail.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, GMP’s Disaster Victim Identification lead, said: “During almost six month of searching, we have sifted over 4500 tonnes of rubble in order to recover substantial remains of the four victims. The search has been comprehensive and we are now satisfied that there is no realistic prospect of recovering any further human remains or objects of significance from the site.  This was a really important piece of work, not just for criminal proceedings, but for the families in Vietnam who have been left devastated by the deaths of their loved ones and desperately want to be reunited with their remains and, in some cases, sentimental items.

“Though the search has now concluded and our presence at Bismark House has now come to an end, Operation Logan is ongoing. Our team is continuing to work with the family liaison officers and relevant partner agencies to make arrangements to return the four victims to their native Vietnam. Meanwhile, our criminal investigation team is still following lines of enquiry to ensure any offences are identified and those responsible are brought to face justice.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank the local community and our partner agencies for their cooperation and patience with this investigation. I’d also like to publicly recognise the Operation Logan scene team who have worked tirelessly for half a year, in all conditions, to overcome multiple obstacles and find the answers we and the bereaved need.”

Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police 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.