A "larger than average" fly-tip of rubble and debris was dumped on a road in the New Forest, blocking residents from leaving their homes.

Forestry England were called to a small forest track in Bartley on the edge of the New Forest, after a huge pile of rubble and debris was left dumped in the middle of the road, stopping frustrated residents from leaving their homes.

The fly-tip took place around midday on Saturday June 13, and included lots of large bricks, wires, metal sheets and bags of items.

Due to the mess being "larger than average", residents were prevented from leaving their homes as the access track to Shepherds Road was blocked, meaning a specialist vehicle was needed to help clear the waste away.

Forestry England have now thanked local residents for helping find evidence at the scene of the fly-tip, to assist Hampshire Police and New Forest District Council's investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson said: "Our local team works closely with the New Forest District Council and Hampshire Police to tackle fly-tipping and keep the New Forest’s precious landscape litter free, and we have praised local residents in Bartley for finding evidence at the scene of the recent flytip and passing on valuable information to the local authorities so that those responsible can be prosecuted.

"We continue to urge all businesses and householders to check that the company or individual who is offering to take their waste has a waste carriers licence. This can be checked on the Environment Agency’s website. If they do not have a licence, do not use them."

Residents have been also urged to get a written receipt or transfer note from waste collectors, outlining a description of the waste and where it is being taken, while they can also note down the make, colour and registration number of the vehicle that's collecting their waste, which can be handed to authorities if fly-tipping does occur.