Police launch metal theft probe at Bosley blast site

Four people died in an explosion at the mill in Cheshire last year

Police have launched an investigation into the suspected theft of scrap metal at a mill where four people died in an explosion.

Derek Moore, Dorothy Bailey, William Barks and Jason Shingler died in an explosion at the Wood Treatment Ltd plant in Bosley on 17 July, 2015.

Cheshire Police said a 32-year-old Kidsgrove man was arrested near the site on suspicion of theft on Sunday.

They are looking for three other men reportedly seen entering the site.

The explosion took place at Bosley, between Macclesfield and Congleton in Cheshire

A force spokesman said Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service helped police search for the suspects, but the three men were seen leaving the area via the River Dane.

Ch Insp Rob Dickinson appealed to the public to help trace them.

"This is a despicable act," he said.

"This week marks the first anniversary of the explosion at Bosley Mill, and the fact these men have attempted to use this tragic incident for their own advantage is appalling."

The inquests into the four deaths at the mill have not been completed.