Concern at Lincolnshire tyre fly-tipping surge

The Environment Agency has asked for people to look out for lorries moving in quiet areas

Hundreds of tyres have been dumped in locations across Lincolnshire in recent weeks, the Environment Agency has said.

So many were left in one watercourse it overflowed and threatened to flood the village of Swaton and the main road.

The agency is asking residents to look out for suspicious vehicles and new cases of fly-tipping.

It warned anyone moving or storing old tyres needed a licence and anyone caught dumping faced up to five years in jail and an unlimited fine.

Over the past four weeks large numbers of used tyres have also been found dumped near Gosberton, Donington, Bicker, Sutterton, Tidal Welland Beck and Bridge End.

Manfai Tang, environment management team leader, said: "The tyres have been dumped in lay-bys and watercourses, which can cause a significant flood risk.

"We are asking people to be vigilant and report any activity they think may be suspicious. This includes lorries tipping tyres on the roadside or lay-bys or loaded lorries travelling down isolated lanes and returning empty."