Huge containers of liquid waste dumped by roadside

A "significant" fly-tipping incident involving large containers of liquid waste could leave the public footing the clean-up bill.

Dorset Council said the containers had been dumped on the A35 near Bloxworth and Morden, with liquid - thought to be paint - leaking out along the edge of the carriageway and into a drainage channel.

The authority warned the incident posed a potential risk to the local environment and has led to a complex clean-up operation.

It added the cost of dealing with the waste could fall to the public if those responsible are not identified.

Teams have been working together to manage the site safely, with temporary traffic lights put in place to allow a lane closure so specialist contractors can access the area.

However, due to the volume of material and the way it has spread, just under half of the dumped substance has so far been cleared.

The liquid is believed to be an oil-based paint but this has not yet been confirmed.

Dorset Council said the waste is not household material and would not be accepted at any recycling centre, adding it is unlikely to be linked to normal domestic activity.

Councillor Jon Andrews said: "This is a serious fly-tipping incident that has caused disruption on a key route and requires specialist work to clear up safely.

"Our priority is to deal with the waste responsibly and protect the local environment, but we are also keen to identify who is responsible."

The council urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them.