AN INVESTIGATION is underway after a large pile of rubbish was found dumped in a countryside lane.

The discovery was made in Pattiswick by Essex Police's rural engagement team while they were out on patrol last Friday.

Officers found one side of the road blocked by a mix of rubble, wood, vegetation and a TV.

Braintree Council described the fly-tip is "appalling" on Twitter and plans to remove the waste today (Tuesday,February 25).

Environment and Place boss Wendy Schmitt said: "It is truly shocking to see the extent and nature of this fly-tip and as soon as we saw the photo on social media, we got in touch with Essex Police who originally found the waste.

"Due to the size of this particular fly tip, a larger vehicle is needed to clear it and will be done by today (Tuesday 25th February).

"If anything is found to identify where the waste came from or the person(s) responsible, this will be passed onto our Street Scene Enforcement team to investigate further."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the council's street scene enforcement team on 01376 552525.