Tables and chairs belonging to a Wetherspoon pub and dumped in the New Forest were stolen, the chain has said.
The pile of furniture and packs of shortbread were fly-tipped at the entrance to Setthorns Inclosure in Brockenhurst.
Mystery surrounded the appearance of the waste with one dog walker describing it as ‘very odd’.
Wetherspoon has now confirmed both the furniture and biscuits were from The Nightjar pub in Ferndown.
The pub closed its doors permanently on September 24 and the items were due to be taken to another pub.
A spokesperson from Wetherspoon said: “We have investigated the source of the furniture and the biscuits, and they have come from a van belonging to our contractors which was stolen overnight from outside a hotel in Ringwood September 25.
“We are making arrangements for the removal of all the items as soon as possible and will work with the authorities to help find the individuals responsible for the theft of the van and the subsequent illegal dumping of its contents.”
The incident of the stolen van has been reported to Dorset Police, who have confirmed the van has been located.
A spokesperson said: "On September 26 at around 3.30am, officers responded to a report of a van being stolen from outside the Travelodge hotel on Ringwood Road, St Leonards.
"On Monday, October 23, a vehicle matching the description of the stolen van was located and seized.
"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."
The waste, found opposite Longslade Bottom car park, consisted of several chairs, tables and other furniture.
It also included menu stands from a Wetherspoons pub.
READ MORE: Shock as Wetherspoon tables and chairs dumped in New Forest car park
David McClure was walking his dogs on Saturday morning when he discovered the furniture.
The 62-year-old from Sway said: “The waste is very unusual and very identifiable. It is from a Wetherspoon pub - there are tables there with all the table numbers still on them.
“It’s all very odd.”
The pile of furniture has since been removed by Forestry England.
A spokesperson said: “It is unfortunately yet another in several recent examples of a potentially dangerous fly tips that show a complete disregard for this special landscape.
“Anyone who recognises these items or has any information relating to this incident can contact us directly on 0300 067 4601 or email southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk.
“We would like to remind all householders and businesses disposing of waste that it is their responsibility to ensure their waste providers are licenced.
“This can be easily checked online. https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers”
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