LITTER louts who left waste strewn all over a previously tidy alley are being hunted by environmental enforcers.

The vandals are believed to have struck overnight on Tuesday (May 17), pulling bin bags from communal wheelie bins in they alley between Aske Road and Albany Street in Middlesbrough.

They are believed to have been hunting for clothes, electrical equipment and other valuables, but in the process reduced the previously tidy alley to a sea of discarded refuse.

The mess took three members of Middlesbrough Council more than six hours to clear and dispose of the rubbish, sweeping up and restoring the alley to its previously clean and tidy state.

The incident has been reported to the Council’s Environment Enforcement Team, which is undertaking inquiries to find the culprits.

Councillor Tracy Harvey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “The vast majority of people dispose of their waste carefully and responsibly, and I’m grateful for their contribution to making our town greener and more sustainable.

“Their diligence and community spirit was undone at a stroke thanks to the disgusting actions of a tiny minority out for their own ends.

“It’s not clear what they were looking for, but nothing can justify the appalling mess they left behind – which must then be cleared up at considerable cost.

“Such behaviour is outrageous and will not be tolerated, and I would urge anyone with information on those responsible to come forward.”

*Anyone with information about the alley bin louts is asked to contact Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Services via the web portal https://my.middlesbrough.gov.uk or by calling (01642) 726001.