The Environment Agency, assisted by police officers, carried out five dawn raids yesterday following an in-depth investigation into illegal dumping of waste.

Two people were arrested pending further enquiries, and a third person will be helping agency officers with their enquiries.

Enforcement action took place at five separate addresses in Staffordshire, Herefordshire and Hertfordshire after an investigation into the illegal dumping of up to 25,000 tonnes of waste at 17 sites across the Midlands, North West and North East.

More than 25 agency investigators, supported by over 20 police officers were in action at suspects' homes and business addresses seeking evidence, as part of Operation Cesium.

The investigation will now continue with the evidence seized today, and is expected to continue for many more months.

Paul Clarke, lead investigator in the Environment Agency's National Investigation Team, said: "The Environment Agency takes waste crime seriously and we will persistently pursue those suspected of illegally dumping waste.

"In this case we have 17 landowners and communities blighted by significant amounts of dumped waste.

"We’ve already seen some of these sites catch fire, causing significant impact on communities, the environment and our emergency services partners who have to tackle them.

"Illegal waste activity of the likes we’re investigating here diverts £1billion from legitimate businesses and the treasury, and at the Environment Agency we do everything we can to bring those responsible to account.

"This investigation has been ongoing since last summer and enquiries will continue to examine the evidence to determine the full extent of the suspected offences.

"The Environment Agency takes waste crime extremely seriously. This is a live and complex investigation, anyone with further information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."