Human remains in UK mill fire suspected to be missing Vietnamese

Demolition workers found the first bodies on July 23 at the remnants of the mill, where a fire occurred on May 7. Police said they suspected that four Vietnamese nationals, who were reported missing on July 21, have been inside the mill.

“We are carrying out an extensive search of the remnants of the mill to ensure any further human remains are recovered in a way which is respectful to both the deceased and the bereaved,” Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes said in a statement.

“I speak on behalf of all involved in this operation when I say that our thoughts are with the potential family members in Vietnam. Specially-trained officers have been in direct contact with them and continue to liaise with partner agencies to ensure they are fully updated and supported.”

Hughes said that any criminal offences identified as part of the investigation will be progressed immediately.

The fire began in the early morning on May 7, and took four days to be extinguished. At the time the fire happened, police believed there was no one inside.

But on July 21, local police received a call saying four Vietnamese nationals were missing and they might have been involved with the fire.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 27 said the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.K. was cooperating with local police to verify the remains’ identities. If they are confirmed to be Vietnamese, Vietnamese authorities in the U.K. would deploy citizen protection measures and other relevant procedures.

On Friday, the four missing Vietnamese men have been identified as Cuong Van Chu, 39, Uoc Van Nguyen, 31, Duong Van Nguyen, 29 and Nam Thanh Le, 21, The Independent reported.

“Though we have reason to suspect that Cuong, Uoc, Duong and Nam may have been in the mill during the fire, we are keeping an open mind with regards to how many people were present and their whereabouts,” said Hughes.