The figures, released by Oxford waste collection experts BusinessWaste.co.uk, highlight the scale of illegal waste dumping in the region, raising concerns about public health and environmental impact.

A total of 109,015 fly-tipping incidents were recorded in the South East in 2024/25.

Of these, 1,923 involved hazardous materials like asbestos, chemicals, oil, or clinical waste, posing significant risks to the environment and public safety.

Mark Hall, an Oxford-based waste collection expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “All illegal waste dumping is damaging to the environment and local community, but hazardous waste is particularly concerning as it contains toxic, persistent, or reactive materials.

“Substances such as asbestos, oils, chemicals, and fuel are not only more toxic but also often require specialist handling and disposal.

“When dumped illegally, they can contaminate soil and water, release harmful particles into the air, and create safety risks for both the public and council workers.”

The South East ranks fourth nationally for hazardous fly-tipping.

The most-affected area was Spelthorne, recording 104 hazardous waste incidents.

In contrast, Adur and Folkestone and Hythe recorded no such incidents.

Mr Hall said: “If you come across any kind of fly-tipping, keep your distance, don’t disturb it, and immediately report it to the council.”

Police say two men were caught fighting with knives in Cherwell Avenue shortly before 9pm on Sunday, April 19.

Around an hour later, a man was found with “several” stab wounds in nearby Oxford Road through the town and was treated by paramedics, a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said.

The alleged victim, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital with “serious” injuries where he remains in bed in a stable condition.

Police cordon in Queens Avenue, Kidlington (Image: Alex Carter)

Police officers have since arrested two men from Kidlington, including a 24-year-old and a 52-year-old, on suspicion of assault. They remain in police custody, a spokesperson for the force said on Monday afternoon.

Kidlington East councillor Fiona Mawson said the incident is a “shocking and frightening” experience for people in the area and urged anybody with information to come forward.

Fiona Mawson (Image: Contributed)

The Green councillor said: “It sounds like a shocking and frightening experience for residents in the area.

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“My thoughts are obviously with the man who was injured and his family and I hope he will make a full recovery. I’m grateful to the swift response of TVP and of course NHS emergency staff.

“I’m glad the suspects are in custody and I’m sure residents will also be reassured that they have been caught.

“As someone who has lived in the area for 33 years, I know this is a highly unusual situation and there’s no reason to believe that the neighbourhood is at any increased risk.

Police cordon in Kidlington (Image: Alex Carter)

“I look forward to more details from TVP about the circumstances that led up to this incident and if any further action is required I will of course ensure it is taken.

“I would encourage any witnesses to make themselves known to the police as soon as possible.”

A police cordon was set up around a bungalow in Queens Avenue, just behind Cherwell Avenue, while detectives carried out enquiries.

Forensic officers were also spotted in a van gathering scientific evidence at the scene in Queens Avenue on Monday.

Thames Valley Police’s spokesman said: “There is no risk to the wider public as we believe all those involved in the incident are known to each other.

“However, there will be an increased police presence in the town today, as well as a scene on Queens Avenue, so please speak to a uniformed officer if you have any concerns.

“Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact us, quoting reference number 43260190844.

“Alternatively, people can report information to us anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers.”

The TV star, who hosted the popular show Zoo Time, rose to fame in 1967 when his book The Naked Ape became an international bestseller.

He died on Sunday at the age of 98.

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His son Jason said: “His was a lifetime of exploration, curiosity and creativity.

uman behaviourist Desmond Morris gets a cuddle from Jamie, an Amazon parrot, at London Zoo, 1988 (Image: PA/PA Wire)

“A zoologist, manwatcher, author and artist, he was still writing and painting right up until his death.

“He was a great man and an even better father and grandfather.”

Mr Morris was formerly club director at Oxford United and he came up with the current ox-head symbol, based on a Minoan-style bull’s head, for the club’s badge.

The Wiltshire-born author joined the British Army in 1946 and fulfilled two years of national service, before later pursuing his interest in the arts and studying natural history.

Mr Morris began his academic career studying zoology at the University of Birmingham, and later completed a doctorate in animal behaviour at Oxford University, where he remained to study the reproductive behaviour of birds.

He became the face of ITV Granada’s hit nature series Zoo Time in 1956, which ran from 1956 until 1967 and featured animal experts and zoo staff and explored the behaviour of animals.

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Mr Morris also hosted many art exhibitions throughout his career, including one at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London in 1957 which combined his interest in both animals and painting, showcasing a series of works created by chimpanzees.

Desmond Morris at Regent’s Park, London, visiting Chia Chia the Panda, 1981 (Image: PA/PA Wire)

He also co-organised an exhibition titled The Lost Image in 1958 which compared images created by infants, human adults and apes and was on display at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Mr Morris became the Zoological Society’s curator of mammals at London Zoo in 1959, a post he held for eight years.

He started his career with the BBC in 1965, hosting its Life In The Animal World programme, and later went on to headline many documentaries for the corporation.

In 1967, Mr Morris penned his most popular book, The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study Of The Human Animal, which led to his global recognition.

Following its success, he wrote many follow-up books including The Human Zoo (1969), Manwatching (1977) and The Naked Man (1977), and contributed to more than 90 titles in his decades-long career dedicated to the study of animals and zoology.

Desmond Morris at Regent’s Park, London, visiting Chia Chia the Panda, 1981 (Image: PA/PA Wire)

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During his tenure as a broadcaster, he hosted BBC documentaries including Manwatching (1977), TV And Natural History (1986) and The Human Animal (1994), and he had regular appearances on shows such as The Animals Roadshow and Friday Night And Saturday Morning.

In recent years, Mr Morris continued to dedicate his life to his academic endeavours and his work as a surrealist artist, having held many exhibitions showcasing his work.

The BBC also released a programme titled The Secret Surrealist in 2017 showcasing Mr Morris and his artwork as it examined his “double life” as a painter.