Critical incident declared over illegal waste dump

It is believed the mound has been built up since the summer

The Environment Agency has declared a critical incident to tackle a mountain of waste dumped next to a river.

It comes after the Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, condemned "disgraceful" illegal waste tipping at a site between the River Cherwell and the A34 near Kidlington.

She met with Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy on Thursday to discuss a multi-agency response to the incident.

Extra officers have been deployed to secure the site and work with local police, fire services, and Oxfordshire County Council and protective barriers are being installed to prevent waste from entering the river.

Ms Reynolds said: "The appalling illegal waste dumped in Kidlington is disgraceful and I know how strongly local people feel about the site.

"I've instructed the Environment Agency to take decisive action to reduce the risk of environmental harm and I am pleased they are now installing additional barriers to prevent pollution of the Cherwell.

"I am being regularly updated on the ongoing investigation, and I want to see justice served for this disgusting crime."

Campaigners from Friends of the Thames are petitioning to get an immediate emergency response to clear up the 150m (490ft) long and 6m (20ft) high mound to prevent what they call an "environmental catastrophe".

The Environment Agency says water quality testing has been taking place in the area and there has been no evidence of waste breakdown.

The site remains closed to the public and media to protect the investigation and prevent environmental risks.

Mr Duffy described the tipping as "environmental vandalism" and vowed to ensure those responsible "face the full force of the law."