Overview
- Officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit arrested a 69-year-old in Andover and a 54-year-old in Slough for environmental and money laundering offences, with both suspects released on conditional bail.
- Investigators describe a roughly 150‑metre mound beside the A34 and the River Cherwell made up of processed household waste that raises pollution and fire risks.
- The Environment Agency said these arrests build on a November detention of a 39‑year‑old suspect who was released pending further inquiries.
- A waste‑removal contract has been signed with Acumen Waste Services, with site preparations under way and removal scheduled to begin by late February under a year‑long plan costed at £9.6 million.
- Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds welcomed the progress and said the government will increase resources and introduce tougher checks and penalties to combat waste crime.