An east London council has launched a hunt for a flytipper who dumped hundreds of litres of “toxic acid” by the side of the road.
Newham Council said 11 barrels of what is thought to be high-strength industrial acid were left on a slip road off Royal Docks Road in Beckton on Thursday.
Firefighters said the substance was a potential hazard but was stable.
Cllr Amar Virdee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Crime, said it was an “outrageous criminal act” and could have risked the safety of those who came into contact with it.
He said: “Eleven barrels of this material were deliberately dumped in an area, which although isolated, is easily accessible to the public.
“In addition to disregard for public safety, Newham Officers were diverted to the scene for hours to make it safe, and organise an emergency specialist team to remove the barrels, at a cost of thousands of pounds of council taxpayers’ money.
“I have no doubt this disgraceful act was motivated by money and greed, either for profit or to avoid the costs of legitimate disposal.
“It is vital those responsible are caught and stopped from repeating their crimes.”
Council bosses have launched an appeal for anyone who saw a van or truck carrying the barrels in the vicinity of Royal Docks Road on Thursday to contact them.
They said they were “particularly keen” to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage.
Those with information are being asked to contact Newham Council on 0203 4302000.
