Calls pour in as probe of shocking Havant fly-tip site ramps up '“ but more help is needed

As previously reported by The News, the Environment Agency is looking to track down gangs who have been illegally piling up rubbish on a field near the A3(M) between Portsmouth and Havant.

Thousands of items, from fridges, car parts and sofas, to pornography, children's toys and beds have been left scattered across a field.

Now, officers from the Environment Agency have released images of unique items and are hoping to trace down the former owners in a bid to catch the gangs responsible for the waste.

Nigel Oliver, criminal investigator with the Environment Agency, branded the tip '˜the worst' in the south and stressed people should not fear coming forward to help.

'˜People shouldn't be worried about getting in trouble, we're not looking to punish the owners of the material '“ we're hoping they can help us identify the commercial operators we believe they paid to take them away,' he said. '˜These are the people we're after.'

Since the appeal went out in The News on Wednesday, Mr Oliver said he had been contacted by a number of people eager to help with the investigation.

But he is still looking for more assistance.

As previously reported, Mr Oliver believes several commercial operators have been using the site as their own dumping ground for the past couple of months.

He said they had duped members of the public into believable their waste was being disposed of responsibly.

'˜If people recognise any of the waste they will probably be as angry as I am was and as angry as other people I have spoken to.'

Those who can help should call the Environment Agency on 0208 4745923.

The Environment Agency has asked The News not to identify the exact location of the fly-tip, which has since been blocked off and secured.

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