'We're coming for waste criminals' say investigators

Investigators have revealed more details about suspected illegal waste dumping sites in Worcestershire and said the net was closing in on the culprits.

Concerns have risen over large mountains of waste appearing in areas such as Evesham and Peopleton, with residents calling it an "environmental horror".

West Mercia Police and the Environment Agency said they believe those dumping grounds are "interlinked" with a third suspected illegal waste site near Wadborough.

Waste lorries that were operating illegally as well as plant machinery have been seized. Marc Lidderth from the Environment Agency said it was doing everything it could.

A joint investigation was launched several months ago between police and the Environment Agency, resulting in raids taking place earlier this month.

"Waste criminals who are doing this are scarring the environment, as well as the communities where these sites are," Lidderth said.

"There are people out there who are making money from this - doing it for their own gain with no care for the communities where they are dumping this waste.

"For the criminals who are doing this (I would say), 'the Environment Agency is going to be coming for you' - I've got dedicated people who are working tirelessly on this."

Earlier this month nearly £100,000 in cash was seized and two men arrested in the raids.

Officers also seized six guns, suspected fake electrical goods and a suspected stolen vehicle.

The two men arrested have since been bailed, as the investigation into suspected money laundering and illegal waste sites continues.

Insp Dave Wise, from West Mercia Police, said: "Over the last few months we've seized several lorries and plant machinery that's linked to the misuse of land in this way.

"We're becoming more aware all the time, of how this type of crime is operating.

"I would say that 'the net is closing in' around these people - their time will come."

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