Didcot collapse: Recovery work to begin in search for missing

Part of the decommissioned plant collapsed three weeks ago as it was being prepared for demolition

Work to clear the rubble from the site of the collapsed Didcot Power Station will begin on Saturday, the Health and Safety Executive has said.

Equipment has arrived on site in preparation for the recovery of the missing men at the weekend.

It comes after the operation to find three missing workers buried after the collapse on 23 February was criticised by their families for being too slow.

The HSE said "returning the missing men to their families" was a priority.

'Bring them home'

The Labour MP for Rotherham, where two of the families live, called on the government to intervene following criticism of a "slow" recovery operation.

But now, Sarah Champion MP, said she is "really really pleased" that a rescue plan has been published by RWE Npower.

She added: "They are now putting up fences, bringing in heavy machinery and they have confirmed that by the weekend they will start lifting the steel so we can find the men and bring them home."

The operation to find three missing workers buried after the collapse has been criticised by their families

One person died and five were injured after half of the decommissioned Didcot A plant collapsed.

Christopher Huxtable, 34, from Swansea, Ken Cresswell, 57, and John Shaw, 61, both from Rotherham, are still missing in the rubble.

The body of Michael Collings, 53, from Brotton, Teesside, was found following the collapse.

Thames Valley Police said specialist officers are supporting the families of the missing men and are providing them with regular updates on the progress of the recovery work.

The ambulance service treated more than 50 casualties following the collapse at Didcot A