officials hailed the arrest as a significant step toward delivering justice and safeguarding the local community and environment.

Authorities in Oxfordshire have arrested a 39-year-old man from Guildford as part of the Environment Agency’s probe into the illegal waste dumping at a 1.2-hectare site near the River Cherwell in Kidlington.

The EA first identified substantial household and commercial waste on the site in July, issued a cease and desist order, and later obtained a court order to close the site after further dumping was detected in October.

Protective measures remain in place as investigators treat the area as an active crime scene, including a river boom, barriers, sandbags, and Heras fencing to curb pollution risk.

The case is a collaborative effort between the Environment Agency’s major investigations unit and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Public officials, including the Environment Secretary and the Prime Minister, condemned the dumping and urged rapid cleanup and accountability, with the Prime Minister calling the act disgusting and pledging full use of powers.

During Parliament, leaders stressed that all available powers will be used to ensure those responsible cover the clean-up costs and face consequences.

EA area director Anna Burns described the dump as appalling and reaffirmed ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice and protect residents and the environment.

Phil Davies, head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, said multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued and cautioned the public not to speculate about others connected to the case while investigations continue.

The arrest follows coordinated work with the EA’s major investigations team and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, building on earlier enforcement actions and a court-ordered site closure.

Authorities reaffirm their collaboration with law enforcement and emphasize community impact and accountability as the investigation progresses.

The investigation involves joint efforts among police, fire services, the county council, and the EA, with restricted public access to the site to safeguard the investigation and environment.