A second 45-year-old man was arrested in south Liverpool on Wednesday 11 March on suspicion of operating an illegal waste site. The Environment Agency confirmed the update on 13 March 2026. (gov.uk)

It follows a 2 February joint operation with Merseyside Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime at the suspected site. Officers arrested another 45-year-old and seized an HGV on the day, and later took an excavator as evidence. (gov.uk)

Jennifer Brittlebank, the Agency’s area environment manager, said progress is being made and acknowledged neighbourhood impact: "We have immense sympathy with local communities." She said offenders would be held to account where evidence allows. (gov.uk)

JUWC manager Phil Davies called it a model of agencies sharing intelligence and kit, and had a clear message for organised operators: "we will stop you". (gov.uk)

National capability is being stepped up too: a 33‑strong drone squad is now spotting dumps from the air, the JUWC has been reinforced to 20 specialists, and officials say a record 751 illegal sites were shut last year. (gov.uk)

This matters on Merseyside. Illegal yards undercut legitimate firms, bring noise and dust into residential streets and leave the clean‑up bill with communities. People here expect the rules to be enforced as strictly as anywhere else.

The investigation remains live. Information can be passed to the Environment Agency’s incident line on 0800 807060, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. (gov.uk)

Officials have underlined the value of community intelligence, saying public reports help build cases and plan further action. If you see suspicious waste movements, note times, vehicle details and locations, and report safely. (gov.uk)