Undelivered mail dumped in garage

Thousands of undelivered items of mail have been found dumped in a garage.

Essex Police officers made the discovery in the village of Vange, near Basildon, Essex, earlier this week.

A 28-year-old woman, who lives locally, has been arrested and bailed in connection with the discovery.

Royal Mail spokesman James Taylor said the mail, some of which had been damaged, was currently being processed and will be delivered where possible.

Mr Taylor said: "A quantity of mail has been recovered at an address in Basildon and investigations are ongoing in relation to allegations against a former employee.

"Royal Mail and its people have a zero tolerance approach to any instances of delaying the mail."

A police spokeswoman said an investigation into the matter had begun and officers were making inquiries.