A VAN has been seized by council officers after a suspected fly-tipping incident in Middlesbrough.

A man was caught on CCTV allegedly dumping bricks, rubble and carpets from the back of a blue van at the former Southlands Centre site on Ormesby Road.

When Middlesbrough Council's Environmental Flying Squad attended to clean up the rubbish, they investigated for evidence of the culprit.

Using material found with the waste and with the help of the public, they tracked down a van to an address in Acklam.

The Northern Echo:

On Tuesday afternoon, along with Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston, the team visited the property and seized a van under Section 34B of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, after police were notified.

Mr Preston said: "Fly-tipping is a disgusting crime and we will stamp it out.

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"We promised to take swift action to find those responsible for fly-tipping at the Southlands Centre, and I'd like to thank the public who responded to our appeal and helped our investigation."

Vehicles can be seized by the council if it's suspected it has been used, or will be used, to commit crimes such as fly-tipping.

The Northern Echo:

The registered keeper of this vehicle must make contact with the Neighbourhood Safety team by calling 01642 773362, quoting reference number 553430, and provide evidence that they are the owner.

If the blue Peugeot van is not claimed within 15 working days it will be destroyed.

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