A village road was closed after “selfish” flytippers dumped a huge mound of rubbish.

Simmons Lane, between Purleigh and Mundon, was shut after the incident was discovered by Maldon District Council on Monday morning.

Mattresses, plastic boxes, wood and other items had been dumped.

It is believed a white tipper truck was involved in the incident.

Residents have said it is not the only incident of flytipped waste they have seen in recent weeks.

Mitch Hill said: “There’s been loads of flytipping lately, all over Tiptree, Wickham Bishops, Goldhanger and Maldon.

“What are the odds it’s the same people doing it all?”

Matt Burke added: “This is the second one in as many months, the other was along Goldhanger Road.

“It’s obviously a big tipper truck so surely someone knows something.”

Matt Sinclair said: “There’s a whole load been dumped outside Heybridge before the little bridge opposite in the access entrance to the field.”

Jill Challis added: “What selfish behaviour. So fed up with the amount of rubbish that is flytipped around Purleigh.

“This is not the first time the roads around here have been closed as a result of enormous amounts of rubbish being abandoned in the middle of the road.

“This only adds to our taxes and causes distress to those who live nearby.”

Maldon District Council has asked any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Bob Boyce, chairman of Maldon District Council’s community services committee, said: “Dumping rubbish is illegal and hazardous to the public especially if it contains toxic material or asbestos.

“The perpetrator can be imprisoned or receive substantial fines of up to £50,000.

“We are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Simmons Lane, Purleigh, which was believed to have involved a large white tipper truck.

“Please contact Maldon District Council on 01621 854477 or email contactus@maldon.gov.uk.”