PILES of fly-tipped rubbish were reportedly set alight on a Worcester lane which has become notorious for waste being illegally dumped.
Fires broke out among rubbish dumped on Offerton Lane on Saturday evening (November 7), prompting a response from the fire service.
A photograph taken from a passing vehicle shows at least three separate areas of fire, with flames and smoke visible among rubbish at the side of the lane.
Natalie Eaton, who witnessed the incident, said the fly-tipped waste appeared to have been deliberately set alight.
She said: “There were fires down Offerton Lane this evening; people seem to have deliberately set fire to all the fly-tipping rubbish down there.
“I happened to drive past and noticed it. The fire service have now been and put the fires out, but it will probably happen again, no doubt.
“Something needs to be done about the fly-tipping and the amount of rubbish; it’s disgusting and a huge health hazard, but nothing seems to be done.
“The fires could have spread so quickly to nearby industrial units, cars, gas mains etc.”
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The photograph shows flames burning close to vegetation, with dumped rubbish visible nearby.
Offerton Lane has faced problems with fly-tipping, with waste regularly dumped along the road.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about the potential consequences of the accumulation of rubbish, particularly if further fires are started.
The precise cause of the fires has not yet been officially confirmed.
Both West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.
