The fire was extinguished by the fire service over the course of four days, with no one believed to be inside the mill at this time – however, demolition workers discovered human remains on Saturday 23 July 2022, and so, the search began.
The four men – aged between 21 and 39 – were all were reported missing to GMP on Thursday 21 July 2022, and were later identified, matched with the remains found, and publicly named.
Police arrest man on suspicion of manslaughter over Oldham mill fire deaths / Credit: GMFRS | GMP
Now, over a year since the fire, GMP has confirmed that yesterday (11 May), detectives investigating the deaths made one arrest and completed a number of searches during warrants executed at five residential properties and two commercial premises in Oldham and the Ashton area of Tameside.
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A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Manslaughter, Cultivation of Cannabis, and Participation in the Activities of an OCG, and remains in custody for questioning.
Two other individuals arrested previously also remain on bail.
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#ARREST | Detectives investigating the deaths of four Vietnamese nationals at Bismark House Mill make an arrest.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 11, 2023
“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,” explains Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies.
“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.
“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.
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“As we continue to do all we can, I appeal to anyone with information to contact us directly or anonymously.”
The images released by police of Cuong Van Chu, Uoc Van Nguyen, Duong Van Nguyen, and Nam Thanh Le / Credit: GMP
GMP and His Majesty’s Coroner say they are continuing to work with partner agencies to “complete the formal identification process” and “organise repatriation”.
Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police via 101, or if you would like to remain anonymous, you can get in touch with independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
International callers can contact GMP via +44161 872 5050.
Featured Image – GMFRS
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Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year
Emily Sergeant
Digital driving licences are set to be introduced across the UK later this year, it has been announced.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today that, before 2025 is out, Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence is set to be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK wallet app that’s being launched later this year.
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) January 21, 2025
The new wallet will allow users to securely store Government-issued documents on their phone, such as DBS checks, Veteran Cards, and loads more, as well as driving licences, and use them easily when needed by making use of a range of security features that are built into modern smart phones – including facial recognition checks.
According to the Government, the new service means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
Traditional physical documents will still remain available, however.
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year / Credit: GDS
The mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all Government services will have to offer a digital alternative, alongside paper or card credentials, by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital Government.
“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
News
Plans to bring Greater Manchester’s rail services onto the Bee Network unveiled
Emily Sergeant
Ambitious plans to bring all rail services in Greater Manchester onto the Bee Network have been unveiled this week.
After the success of all the region’s buses returning to local control at the start of the year, Mayor Andy Burnham has set out Greater Manchester’s step-by-step plan to bring rail into the Bee Network by 2028, working alongside the rail industry to do this as the next part of his joined-up ‘London-style’ public transport system, which is intended to boost passenger numbers, and drive growth across the region.
Developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT) and Shadow Great British Rail, Mr Burnham says his plan is aimed at not only improving transport but unlocking major regeneration and housing opportunities on land around the region’s stations too.
Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases over the next five years.
Under the plan, the first two lines – which will work to connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, in Tameside – will join the Bee Network by December 2026, and then a further 32 stations, and all lines within Greater Manchester, would join by 2030.
Not only that, but Greater Manchester leaders have also committed to working with the Government and the rail industry to “improve reliability” and “implement service changes” to help drive growth too.
If all goes to plan, the first branded Bee Network train will be running by the end of 2026.
Bus, tram and train will finally be united in a tap-in, tap-out payment system with a daily cap offering much better value for money than existing rail fares.
Another major change is that TfGM has said it will work with the rail industry to accelerate the delivery of accessibility improvements – with more than 60% of stations on the eight lines set to have step-free access by 2028, compared to 43% at the end of 2024.
“Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, as he unveiled his plans this week.
“We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.
“Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience. Only by making travel by train more reliable, simpler, flexible and accessible to everyone, will we convince more people to leave the car at home and make the switch to the Bee Network.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th May 2023 
