Lorry seized in investigation into huge waste pile

The pile of waste is estimated to be 2m (6.5ft) tall and about 15m (50ft) in length

A lorry has been seized as part of an investigation into a massive fly-tipping incident in Staffordshire, according to council bosses.

A huge pile of waste was dumped on Watery Lane, Lichfield in January.

The district council said environmental health officers raided a site with police on Friday, but added the investigation was still ongoing and they were not able to provide any further information at this point.

"This is a huge breakthrough and fantastic news for Lichfield District residents and businesses who were affected by this," a council spokesperson said.

They said holding the vehicle would prevent it from being used for further fly-tipping while a court decided if it should be forfeited.

The enormous pile of waste was estimated to be 15m (50 ft) in length and 2m (6.5 ft) high, the local authority said.

It weighed more than 27 tonnes and was blocking access to residents and businesses.

"We take a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and our environmental health officers use all the powers available to them to bring those responsible to justice, giving us a good track record in catching fly-tippers," the council spokesperson said.

Anyone who is convicted in relation to the incident would face a penalty of up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.