An illegal waste site near Maidstone has been raided as part of an Environment Agency operation.

Police and representatives from Maidstone Borough Council were also involved in carrying out the pre-planned warrant this morning.

The officers were there in order to prevent a breach of the peace.

The nature of the offence has not been disclosed, but breaches of environmental law can include storing and disposing of waste or hazardous materials such as asbestos without the correct licence.

It can involve unregulated burning, crushing or burying of waste.

Speaking after the raid, an Environment Agency spokesman said: "We are here to deal with those who abuse the environment.

"We had some information that there was illegal activity with regards to waste in an area just outside Maidstone so along with police and Maidstone Borough Council we have gone out with a warrant to investigate any offending that may be occurring against regulations that we have.

"We can serve a notice for the landowner to clear the waste or we can prosecute them for the offending."

Breaching environmental regulations can carry an unlimited fine or a custodial sentence.