TWO workers from Rossendale have been killed in an horrific industrial accident.

Staff at the Sonae UK Ltd plant in Kirkby, Merseyside, said the pair, named locally as 27-year-old Thomas Elmer and 25-year-old James Bibby, were dragged by a conveyor belt into a huge silo machine.

Both men, who are from Waterfoot, had been working for sub-contractors Metso at the wood processing factory when the accident happened.

It is understood they had been carrying out maintenance work.

The North West Air Ambulance, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Police attended the factory but the men were declared dead at the scene.

A joint police and Health and Safety Executive investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.

Yesterday, the factory was closed and an area cordoned off for experts to examine.

Jim McChesney, a close friend and neighbour of the Bibby family, said the whole community was shocked by what had happened.

Mr McChesney, of Taylor Avenue, Waterfoot, said: “I have known James for a long time and he was a very nice person.

“My son told me the awful news as they have always been very close friends.

“James didn’t work for this company. He was helping out his dad which makes this even more tragic.

“My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his whole family at this time.”

Another neighbour of James’s mum Beverley, Dorothy Brennan, said: “This is just so tragic. I just couldn’t believe it when I heard the news this morning.

“James was such a lovely boy. I only saw him the other day walking down the street. It really doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Former Bacup and Rossendale Grammar pupil Thomas Elmer, of Burnley Road East, is the son of BRGS teacher David Elmer.

A keen sailor, Thomas spent two months at sea in the Times Round the World Yacht Race in 2001.

A devoted Rugby player, he had also been a member of his beloved Rossendale Rugby Club for 21 years.

Chairman of the club Nicholas Ingham said: “We are still all so shocked. We have only just found out and it has knocked everyone sideways.

“He was a lovely chirpy lad that had played rugby for Rossendale since he was six years old. He always had a big smile for everyone and he will be sorely missed.”

Police are formerly expected to identify the men later today.

Specially trained family liaison officers from Merseyside Police are working with both families, following the accident at 3.30pm on Tuesday.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Tom Keaton said: "At this point the scene is sealed and will remain so until we are satisfied that all relevant evidence has been gathered.

“Industrial operations at the site have been suspended and will remains so for now.

“We are in the early stages of what will be a very thorough and detailed investigation into the deaths of these two men, and my thoughts are with their families.”

Metso and Sonae yesterday declined to comment.