Thieves strike at disaster mill on first anniversary
SCRAP thieves who raided Bosley Mill days before the first anniversary of the fatal disaster have been branded ‘despicable’.
Police were called to the site at 7.30pm on Sunday (July 10) after reports that four men had entered the site and were attempting to steal scrap metal.
Officers arrested a 32-year-old man from Kidsgrove on suspicion of theft of scrap metal. Three other men, who were all wearing dark clothing, fled via the River Dane.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service launched its boat rescue team to assist with a search of the River Dane but were unable to trace the trio.
Police are now appealing for the public’s help in tracking down the thieves.
Chief Inspector Rob Dickinson said: “This is a despicable act and we are keen to appeal for support from the public to help trace the people responsible.
“This week marks the first anniversary of the explosion at Bosley Mill, and the fact that these men have attempted to use this tragic incident for their own advantage is appalling.
“I’d appeal to anyone who believes that they have any information in relation to this incident to contact the team here at Macclesfield so that we can bring these offenders to justice.”
The Bosley community is preparing to mark the first anniversary of the series of explosions which destroyed the wood flour factory and left four people dead.
The cause is still being investigated.
Derek Moore, 62, Dorothy Bailey, 62, William Barks, 51, and Jason Shingler, 38, were killed in the tragedy on July 17. Mr Shingler’s body has never been recovered.
Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 839 of 10/7/2016.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.