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
News
Former Manchester City player Joey Barton found guilty of assaulting his wife
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has officially been found guilty of assaulting his wife following his two-day trial in the capital this week.
Barton, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a number of other clubs, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 March, following an incident back in June 2021.
The former midfielder left his wife, 37-year-old Georgia Barton (McNeil), with a bleeding nose and a bruise on her forehead following a drunken row at their home in London.
Barton is said to have grabbed and pushed her to the floor before kicking her in the head. Married in 2019, the two have four children and are thought to still be together.
The 42-year-old was still employed in professional football as the manager of Bristol Rovers at the time, but he was ultimately sacked in October 2023.
His wife called 999 at the time, telling police that he had hit her, but later retracted her statement.
Born in Huyton, Merseyside, the chief magistrate Paul Goldspring recognised that the one-time England has a history of violence.
He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he won’t serve time unless he commits another offence and has been ordered to pay £2,138.
Since dropping out of mainstream football, in particular, Barton has come under heavy criticism for allegations of racism, sexism and controversial right-wing politics; he even started an ‘anti-woke’ podcast called Common Sense with Joey Barton.
Back in June of last year, he was ordered to pay £35,000 in damages to settle a libel claim with presenter Jeremy Vine after a series of inflammatory comments made online.
The Radio 2 presenter sued Mr Barton earlier this year, after the former footballer wrote a series of posts suggesting Mr Vine had a sexual interest in children.
He also accused of threatening fellow former pro, Eni Aluko, after a torrent of abuse regarding her punditry online – the ex-England international even went so far as to say she no longer felt safe staying in the country.
Police appeal after man seriously injured in Northern Quarter stabbing
Daisy Jackson
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses after a stabbing in the Northern Quarter left a man seriously injured.
The incident occurred around 7.45pm on Thursday 20 March, on Tib Street near Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene and the victim, a man in his 20s, taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Thankfully his injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
No arrests have yet been made and officers are now appealing for witnesses to assist with enquiries.
DI Geoffrey Machent, of the City of Manchester Division, said: “At around 7.45pm on Thursday 20 March, we were called to reports of a stabbing on Tib Street.
“A man was subsequently taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains there for treatment.
“At this time, we do not believe the incident presents any threat to the wider public or local businesses operating in the area.
“Neighbourhood officers will be deployed to provide reassurance in the locality over the coming days, including our newly formed Piccadilly Gardens team.
“We would like to appeal to the public for any information, or anyone who witnessed this incident, to please come forward.”
If anyone has information regarding this stabbing in the Northern Quarter, contact police by calling 101, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Emily Sergeant -
12th May 2023 
