AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a huge pile of rubbish was dumped at a beauty spot near Winchester.

The trash was dumped on a bridleway near the Twyford Waterworks.

Now Winchester City Council environment bosses have launched a hunt to find the fly-tipper.

The rubbish includes toys, bikes, garden hoses, corrugated iron and a child’s car seat.

It was found by rambler Ray George, of Bassett Green Road, Swaythling, Southampton. He said: “I came across this while on a walk with the Southampton U3A Walkers Group.

"My first reaction was of surprise, that someone would do something so inconsiderate.

“I was also angry. How dare they expect someone else to clear up their mess, at considerable inconvenience and probably at some expense.”

Mr George added: “Instead of driving here to dump their rubbish, they could have filled up their car and taken it to a recycling centre and have disposed of it free of charge.”

The walkers’ group which goes out on the second Tuesday of each month. This month the walk started and finished at The Bridge Inn, Shawford.

A city council spokesman confirmed a report of fly-tipping had been received and was under investigation.

It comes just weeks weeks after two businessmen were prosecuted after piles of rubbish were found in a lane near Droxford.

Andrew Greek of Greek Construction, Wickham, was ordered to pay £3,922.

Philip Stead, of All Seasons Southern Ltd, Southampton, was fined £1,700 including costs.

In 2014 a London builder was fined for dumping five caravans near Kilmeston.

Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or wishes to report incidents should contact the city council on 01962 840222 or via the online reporting system and app: winchester.gov.uk/report.