A second man has been arrested as investigators close in on those suspected of being behind three major illegal waste dumps blighting communities across the North East.
A 29-year-old man was detained near Preston, Lancashire, on Monday, October 12, by Lancashire Police and Environment Agency officers.
He was questioned over illegal waste activity at a site in Callerton, near Newcastle Airport, and later released on bail.
Illegal waste dump in Callerton (Image: Supplied)
Gary Wallace, area environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We’ve been relentless in our investigation into these sites and two men have now been arrested.
"We’ll continue to put every effort into taking action against those suspected of being involved.
"Illegal waste sites are a blight on our communities and the environment, and we’re determined to bring those behind them to justice."
Illegal waste dump in Callerton (Image: Supplied)
The arrest follows that of a 32-year-old man in Sunderland last week. He was later released on bail.
He was questioned over illegal dumping at the former Dewhirst site on Thorpe Road in Peterlee and Hart Quarry in Hartlepool.
The three sites are believed to have held thousands of tonnes of illegally dumped waste.
The Callerton site has since been cleared by the landowner.
Illegal waste dump in Hartlepool (Image: Supplied)
All three locations were reported to the Environment Agency during the summer.
The agency quickly worked with landowners to secure the sites and block access, preventing further dumping.
Investigators have searched each site and gathered evidence to help identify those responsible.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: "These arrests are an important step in achieving justice for those communities in the North East who have had to put up with the impacts of these appalling illegal waste sites.
Illegal waste dump at Peterlee (Image: Supplied)
"Through our crackdown we are putting more officers on the frontline and driving faster enforcement and disruption of criminal activities.
"This government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime and this action shows we are delivering on our promise to bring these criminals to justice."
The Environment Agency is stepping up its fight against waste crime through a 10-point plan to prevent illegal activity, improve detection and enforce the law consistently.
In August, the Government announced further measures to tackle waste crime, including more frontline Environment Agency officers, higher fines and tougher penalties for serious offenders.
Illegal dumping threatens communities and the environment, undercuts responsible waste businesses and leaves landowners with the bill.
Waste crime is estimated to cost the UK more than £1 billion each year.
The Environment Agency is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected waste crime.
The agency urged people to check the waste-carrier register before paying anyone to remove rubbish, as unregistered carriers operate illegally.
People are also advised to ask for and keep a record of where their waste is taken.
Landowners are being encouraged to regularly check and secure empty land or property, using barriers or concrete blocks to prevent vehicle access.
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They should also consider CCTV where appropriate, as they could be liable for waste dumped on their land.
The Environment Agency urged the public to report suspicious activity, including unusual HGV movements on to disused or open land, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or its incident line on 0800 807060.
Reports of illegal dumping, waste burning, suspicious movements or unlicensed operators can help the agency act early against offenders.
The investigation remains ongoing.