FOUR people are still missing as fire crews from across Cheshire battle a mill blaze following several explosions that has seen ‘multiple casualties’.

Just after 9am this morning Cheshire police declared a major incident following reports of an explosion at Wood Flour Mills, in Tunstall Road, Bosley, between Congleton and Macclesfield.

The incident involves the collapse of a four storey building due to a number of explosions.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: "Fire crews and other emergency services continue to work tirelessly to deal with the incident at Wood Flour Mills.

"Confirmation has been recieved that there were 35 people who have been directly affected by the incident.

"Four have been treated at the scene for breathing difficulties and a further four have been taken to hospital for treatment – one of those is in a serious condition.

"A further four people remain unaccounted for. A safety cordon has been set up around the scene and nearby Bollin Mill Road has been shut.

"It is likely that fire crews will remain at the scene for some time."

Emergency services confirmed there are multiple casualties.

One woman, 29, was taken by air ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with ‘serious burns’.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "A 29-year-old woman has sustained serious burns and blast injuries to her head, face, arms and chest."

Paramedics have assessed a number of other people at the scene.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed 12 fire crews from Cheshire are currently at the scene.

Firefighters said they cannot rule out further explosions.

The spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue added: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus continue to fight the fire with water jets.

“Four people remain missing and so search and rescue efforts are continuing.

“People in the area are reminded to keep their doors and windows shut as there is a lot of smoke in the area.”

Cheshire East Council has asked people to avoid the Tunstall Road area of Bosley.

Chief Inspector Paul Carroll added: “It is also advised to avoid the area while we deal with this incident.”