A LARGE haul of asbestos has been found dumped in the New Forest.

An investigation has now been launched after the asbestos roof tiles were found in the Stoney Cross area.

The New Forest District Council is now warning people of the dangers posed by the substance.

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In a post on Facebook, the council said: "Dumping waste poses danger to wildlife, harms our Forest, and is illegal.

"If you have any information which could help us with this case, please email customer.services@nfdc.gov.uk or call us on 023 8028 5000."

This comes after a man who fly-tipped 3.5 tonnes of asbestos and other waste in the Hampshire countryside was jailed for 15 months in March.

Mitchell Cooper flouted environmental regulations by dumping a large green container full of asbestos, wood and car parts that spilled out and blocked Lee Drive, Romsey.

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The road had to be closed for two days while council officers and a specialist waste disposal company dealt with the incident.

Exposure to damaged asbestos can result in severe health complications.

In some cases, it causes asbestosis which increases the risk of lung cancer and early death. 

It can also cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung or the heart. 

Those employing people to take their waste away are urged to check they are a licensed waste carrier by asking for their waste carrier licence number.