A father and son have died after falling into an industrial silage tank at a farm in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich in Cheshire yesterday lunchtime.

Alan Ford, 72, and son Rick, 42, passed away following the incident on Wednesday, the Cheshire Agricultural Society confirmed. 

Firefighters, paramedics, including an air ambulance, and police all rushed to the scene at a farm in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich after being alerted to reports of an 'industrial accident' at around 12.20pm.

Both men were working at the site when they fell into an 'industrial size' silage container. 

Mr Ford and his son were rescued from the tank on Wednesday but were declared dead at the scene. 

Nearby Cann Lane was closed to assist with the emergency response.

The death Alan Ford, who retired after seven years as chairman of the CAS earlier this year, was confirmed in a statement released this afternoon.

'As Chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society it is with profound sadness that I have to announce the untimely death of our past Chairman Alan Ford and his son Rick following a tragic farming accident yesterday,' the statement read.

'Alan retired as Chairman and Director of the Society in April this year and Rick has been a Director of the Society for several years. 

'The Ford family have worked tirelessly for the Society for many years and both Alan and Rick will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew them.

'We wish to extend our thoughts, sympathy and prayers to the families at this very difficult time.'

The men's relatives have requested privacy following the tragedy.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said on Wednesday: 'Police were called to reports of an industrial incident at around 12.20pm today.

'The caller had reported two men had fallen into an industrial size tank.

'Police, fire and paramedics are in attendance at the scene and rescue work is ongoing.' 

In an update published today, a statement confirmed both men had died.