Fourth arrest over supersized illegal rubbish dump

A fourth man has been arrested in connection with the illegal dumping of thousands of tonnes of waste in a field in Oxfordshire.

The site in Kidlington, between the River Cherwell and the A34, is thought to contain about 21,000 tonnes of waste in a pile that is up to 150m (490ft) long and 6m (20ft) high.

The Environment Agency (EA) said a 52-year-old man from Ashford, Surrey, was arrested on Monday. It follows an arrest in November and two more made last week. All have since been released while inquiries continue.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said that the latest development was "an important step towards justice".

"The illegal dumping at Kidlington was completely and utterly unacceptable, causing significant harm to the environment and distress to the community," she said.

"We will continue to pursue all waste criminals until this illegal behaviour is stamped out."

The mound of rubbish is made up of what appears to be processed domestic waste, shredded plastics, polystyrene, tyres and other household items.

In November, the EA declared a critical incident into the enormous pile of waste.

Preparation work to clear the Kidlington site started in January, amid concerns over the risk of fire and the impact that would have on the nearby A-road.

A private waste clearance firm has been given the contract to deal with the site over the next 12 months at a cost of £9.6m.

The EA's inquiries into the illegal dump is being led by its National Environmental Crime Unit, whose chief Emma Viner said was "working tirelessly" on the investigation.

"The horrific dumping at Kidlington was a deliberate and organised act with no regard for the impact on the environment or communities," she said.

"This further arrest will be key in collecting new evidence and delivering justice for local residents."

The first arrest in November was of a 39-year-old man from Guildford, and those taken into custody last week were a 69-year-old man arrested at a property in Andover, Hampshire, and a 54-year-old man arrested in Slough, Berkshire.

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