A quarter of a tonne of cow guts have been dumped at the side of two major roads, prompting an investigation.

West Norfolk Council is appealing for witnesses after the gruesome incident, which led to a multi-agency cleanup operation.

It comes amid a 12pc increase in fly-tipping incidents in the district. 

Eastern Daily Press: A large quantity of cow guts were found on the A17 roadside near ClenchwartonA large quantity of cow guts were found on the A17 roadside near Clenchwarton (Image: Google)

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In two separate incidents, animal remains were found dumped on the A10, near Garage Lane in Setchey on August 17.

The following morning on the A17, an even larger amount of cow guts were found dumped on the A17 westbound near Clenchwarton.

All have been disposed of appropriately by the council's public open space team.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Sandra SquireCouncillor Sandra Squire (Image: Norfolk Independent Group)

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Cllr Sandra Squire, cabinet member for environment and coastal, said: “We have reported this matter to Trading Standards and the Food Standards Agency, as it would appear that the proper processes for the slaughter and disposal of animal products has not been followed.

"I would like to thank the police and the council staff for their prompt action in dealing with this very unpleasant matter so effectively.

"If anyone has any information or saw anything suspicious on the night of 17 August or early hours of 18 August, we would be grateful if they could report it to us by emailing cleanup@west-norfolk.gov.uk.”

Eastern Daily Press: Incidents of fly tipping have increased in west NorfolkIncidents of fly tipping have increased in west Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Squire described the incident during a council meeting, amid discussions of the challenges faced in tackling fly-tipping.

According to the latest statistics, west Norfolk has seen a 12pc rise in fly-tipping between 2021 and 2022.

But efforts to catch the perpetrators of this illegal activity have improved recently, with 14 penalty notices for waste-related offences issued by WNC since April this year.

This is a steep increase compared to the previous three years, where only 10 penalty notices were issued.

Anyone wishing to report fly-tipping incidents can report it online at west-norfolk.gov.uk/flytipping.