Elmbridge Borough Council is appealing for information after a “reckless fly tipper” spread rubbish believed to be contaminated with asbestos along a country road in Claygate.

The council’s environmental enforcement officers and Surrey Police conducted a combined operation to remove what was described as a “potentially deadly obstruction for passing motorists" from Woodstock Lane South on August 25.

The authority said that the builders’ waste had been dumped during the night and covered more than 100 metres of the road.

At the request of the council, police closed Woodstock Lane South for more than one and a half hours while licensed contractors removed the waste at a cost of around £1,000.

Elmbridge Borough Council says its enforcement officers are investigating the incident and will seek to prosecute if the “reckless fly-tipper” is identified.

Anybody who recognises the distinctive red door amongst the fly tipped waste, or has any other information regarding this incident, should call the council’s environmental care division in confidence on 01372 474 775.

Alternatively, call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.