PRAYERS were held in Didcot today for the victim of the power station tragedy and those families left "in a state of limbo".

Reverend Hannah Reynolds led the special service, which featured tributes and prayers from the town's mayor Des Healy, at St Peter's Church in Newlands Avenue. 

The 49-year-old said: "It was a well-attended service, I would guess there were about 60 adults and a number of children. We said a Prayer for Special Intention and had a sermon with readings about the situation. 

"Didcot is a close-knit community that’s not only in a state of shock but feeling a bit powerless in their state of limbo, still waiting for a safe finish. People were sad and concerned about the people working in the dangerous situation. There were a number of the congregation who used to work there. It feels like a massive part of their life has just turned ugly."

Part of derelict Didcot A was reduced to rubble on Tuesday when a building collapsed, killing "much loved" construction worker Michael Collings, 53, injuring five others and leaving three missing. 

Revd Reynolds said: “There’s a fair amount of danger and confusion about why this happened, people saying to God ‘what are you playing at?’ And there is hope that there will be a good outcome for the people still missing and those who are injured – that this has not destroyed their lives forever."

The congregation prayed for the rescue workers who are still digging through mountains of rubble for signs of life. 

They prayed for the missing men and their families and friends, for the injured parties, and for Mr Collings.

Revd Reynolds, who heard a "loud bang and a rumble" when the building collapsed, added: “We prayed his family would be able to comfort one another at this time. We prayed for Didcot, that we would find a way to help.

"The power station is an iconic building – it’s a part of the psyche here. When you are coming home it’s the first thing you see that makes you think ‘I’m here’."

The community in Didcot has pulled together in reaction to the tragedy, opening a book of condolences at the town hall and baking cakes for the rescue workers. 

It is the third Didcot tragedy Revd Reynolds, who has been at the church for three years, has held a special service for – following the murder of Jayden Parkinson and the triple murder last year.

She said she may continue to hold special services, depending on developments this week.

The rescue mission continues at the power station, which was set to be demolished, but on Thursday Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue's chief fire officer said it was "highly unlikely" the missing three were alive. 

Dave Etheridge said of their families: "We have explained to them we have not picked up any signs of life, but we are doing everything we can to locate their loved ones."

He said the operation could continue for weeks.