Macclesfield MP David Rutley has described the Bosley disaster as his ‘darkest day’ since becoming an MP.

Mr Rutley, who spent time at the scene in the three days following the tragedy, described the aftermath of the explosions and fire as ‘like a war zone’.

He added: “This is without doubt the worst event to happen since I became the MP for Macclesfield. The darkest day.

“I thought the building would be a carcass with smoke billowing out, but the building has been completely destroyed.

“It’s shocking, I have never seen anything like it before. It’s completely unrecognisable.

“Huge chunks of metal have been thrown metres away. It’s not just a fire, it’s a really profound explosion. Houses a mile away could feel the shake. It is a scene of devastation. It’s like a war zone.”

Mr Rutley has spoken to survivors and attended the church service at St Mary’s on Sunday with his family.

He added: “This really hurts. This is the most catastrophic day in the village’s history.

“This is a close knit community and lots of people have family working at the mill. It’s a big shock and now we need to pull together as a community.”