POLICE and council officials are hunting flytippers who dumped nearly half a tonne of potentially deadly asbestos in Hampshire.

Cement-bonded asbestos was found in an underpass on Roman Road, Chilworth.

It has cost council tax payers more than £1,000 to remove it.

Now council chiefs are trying to track down the dumpers and bring them to justice.

Test Valley council environment boss Graham Stallard said: “Asbestos is a very dangerous substance as it releases cancer-causing fibres into the air when damaged. There is absolutely no excuse for putting the public at risk simply because people cannot be bothered to behave responsibly.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to contact Test Valley Borough Council’s Environmental Services on 01264 368000.