Asbestos has been found at a County Durham quarry during an investigation into illegal waste dumping.

The discovery was made at Hangingstone Quarry, near Burnhope, after dawn raids by 150 police officers and 50 experts from the Environment Agency.

Twelve sites, including a scrap yard, farm and a planned caravan park, were searched.

Police said eight men were arrested on suspicion of environmental, arson and car scrapping offences.

The raids were part of a long-running inquiry and involved the use of specialist sniffer dogs.

Those arrested are aged between 30 and 45, said police. Six vehicles, including a low-loader and a 4×4 were also seized.

‘Major operation’

Test holes were drilled at the quarry site before mechanical diggers unearthed the asbestos, which was identified by Environment Agency experts.

An agency spokeswoman said: “Samples are being kept for evidence purposes and the remainder will be removed by a team of specialist contractors.

“This is a major operation and shows the extent to which organised criminal groups are involved in the illegal dumping of waste.”

Durham’s Deputy Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “This is the start of a concerted and relentless campaign to rid County Durham of an organised crime group whose seemingly respectable business front is a sham and operates outside the law.

“The people who control and run it reap the benefits of a lifestyle to which they are not entitled.”

Searches at the other sites at Burnhope and Chester-le-Street are continuing.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/8272261.stm 

Thursday, 24 September 2009 12:07 UK