Teams working to clear an illegal waste dump in Oxfordshire have discovered more waste that had been hidden underground at the site. The Environment Agency (EA) said it uncovered "further buried waste" after removing the site compound, cabins, and track matting in early July.
The newly discovered pit is approximately 2m (6ft 6in) deep and 10m (32ft 9in) wide. The EA explained that the discovery was made after the stone base of the temporary compound was removed.
An estimated 21,000 tonnes of mixed domestic and commercial rubbish was initially found dumped between the River Cherwell and the A34 near Kidlington in November. A £7.3m EA operation to remove the waste began in April and was expected to take six months to complete.
Following the latest discovery, the EA now aims to have all remaining waste removed "over the coming weeks." Four men have been arrested in connection with the illegal waste tip and have since been released while the investigation continues.