Inquiry into illegal waste dump near Lutterworth

A major investigation has been launched into illegal large-scale dumping of waste at a protected site in Leicestershire.

People near Cave's Inn Pits near the village of Shawell, south of Lutterworth, had reported odours coming from the site, described as "well-concealed" and is a site of special scientific interest.

The Environment Agency said its officers, along with Natural England staff, visited the site last week and found approximately 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it in an attempt to hide it, across an area the size of a football pitch.

Work is now being carried out to mitigate the impact on wildlife, while a criminal investigation is under way.

Nick Green from the Environment Agency spoke to BBC Leicester's Chance Litchfield.

Image: Environment Agency/Natural England