THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of illegally dumping and burning large quantities of waste.

The Environment Agency and Kent Police made the arrests during raids in Rochester and Iwade, near Sittingbourne, on Tuesday.

One of the men arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries and must report to a police station next month.

The other two have been reported for summons.If convicted the three could be jailed or fined up to £50,000.

A spokesman from the Environment Agency’s environmental crime team said: "Waste crime is big business in Kent. We have been using new methods and technologies for collecting evidence and carrying out surveillance where we believe illegal waste activity is going on.

"In this case, waste wood has been taken from a licensed waste transfer station and burnt at an illegal site.

"We are committed to cleaning up the environment in Kent.

"This case should send a clear message to anyone thinking they can make a quick buck from illegal waste activity."