Spy plane targeting fly-tippers

Three flights will take place next week

Fly-tippers in Devon will soon have to contend with a "spy-in-the-sky" as the Environment Agency prepares to use a plane to stop offenders.

The agency's flying squad will also be on the lookout for illegal waste dumps and illegal obstructions on the rivers and streams.

The spy plane will fly at a height of up to 2,000 ft, giving officers a bird's eye view of the county.

Video and still cameras will be used to gather evidence during the flights.

"We will be targeting specific sites where we suspect offences are being committed", said agency spokesman Sean McKay.

Officers in the plane will also be on the lookout for illegal ponds which have been created from streams or watercourses.

The last aerial blitz identified more than 120 sites, and action was taken against a number of offenders.

The "flying squad" will carry out three sorties next week from Dunkeswell Airfield in east Devon.