The Environment Agency has carried out an 18-week nationwide enforcement operation targeting permitted waste sites suspected of being involved in criminal activity.

The enforcement action led to  two illegal waste sites being shut down and an environmental permit being revoked in Lancashire.

Simonswood and Williams Brothers Industrial Estates in West Lancashire were ordered to cease activity or face prosecution after complaints from local residents.

Environment Agency officers visit 42 sites across England. The operation resulted in 17 permits being suspended or their revocation underway and over 30 new criminal investigations were triggered.

Operation Unite is part of the Environment Agency’s 10-Point Plan to tackle waste crime.

Philip Duffy, Environment Agency’s Chief Executive, said: "Operation Unite sends a clear warning to waste criminals: the days of operating under the radar are over.  

"This campaign has shown what is possible when we combine intelligence, coordination and determination - and it’s just the beginning.

"With more targeted operations planned, the pressure on waste criminals will only intensify."

Environment Secretary, Dame Angela Eagle, said: "Waste crime blights our communities, pollutes our environment and cheats the businesses that do the right thing.

"Tackling the scourge of waste crime is one of my top priorities, and Operation Unite shows what robust, intelligence-led enforcement action can achieve, and sends a clear signal that those who break the rules will face the consequences.  

"Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are taking a zero-tolerance approach, backed by £45 million of funding for the Environment Agency to support enforcement operations like this. I want to be clear to waste criminals: we are coming for you."