A SEARCH and rescue operation following a devastating factory fire in Leamington went underway today.
The blaze engulfed the Leeson Polyurethanes factory in Juno Drive late last month.
One man, David Boswell, who was working at Leesons at the time of the fire, remains unaccounted for and is assumed dead.
The search for David was delayed as fire services, structural engineers and demolition experts took steps to make the site safe.
The long and complex procedure required a significant multi-agency response due to the site’s devastation and the presence of volatile chemicals that were stored in the building.
The primary police priority will now be to recover David as soon as possible. It is hoped the cause of the fire will also be determined during the search.
Specialist machinery and equipment will be brought in to assist the operations, minimising manual handling and disturbance of debris. A police presence at the site will remain until the operations are complete.
Detective Superintendent Jon Marsden said: “We are relieved to finally be able to access the site to begin our search. The delay has been unfortunate and distressing for David’s loved ones and we are grateful for their understanding.
“Due to the challenging conditions we are dealing with, this will be a very complicated operation involving a meticulous examination of dust and debris which may unfortunately take yet more time.
“David’s family will be kept informed every step of the way by the officers who are supporting them through this difficult time.”
