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Fly-tippers have deposited a huge quantity of waste in a rural area in Oxfordshire.

The "environmental catastrophe unfolding in plain sight" is around 150m (490ft) extending and 6m (20ft) tall.

The huge mound has appeared in a field next to the River Cherwell close to Kidlington.

A local MP brought up the issue in parliament, saying it was "posing risk of an ecological catastrophe".

Conservation group said the illegal waste site was formed around a few weeks back by an organised crime group.

"This constitutes an ecological disaster unfolding in full view.

"Every day that goes by increases the risk of toxic run-off reaching the aquatic network, poisoning wildlife and endangering the condition of the complete catchment.

"The Environment Agency must act immediately, not in months or years, which is their typical action timeframe."

Legal prohibition had been implemented by the environmental authorities.

It is difficult to identify any particular bits of rubbish as it seems to have been pulverized with dirt combined.

Part of the rubbish from the peak of the heap has toppled and is now just five metres from the waterway.

The River Cherwell is a tributary of the River Thames, which signifies it flows through Oxford before connecting with the Thames.

The official petitioned the authorities for assistance to remove the illegal tip before it triggered a fire or was carried into the water network.

Speaking to MPs on recently, he declared: "Criminals have discarded a huge quantity of unauthorized polymer rubbish... totaling many tons, in my electoral area on a floodplain adjacent to the River Cherwell.

"Stream volumes are rising and heatmaps show that the rubbish is also increasing in temperature, raising the danger of combustion.

"Regulatory body stated it has inadequate resources for regulation, that the projected expense of clearance is greater than the whole yearly budget of the municipal authority."

Environment minister stated the government had taken over a underperforming disposal business that had caused an "growing issue of unlawful waste disposal".

She told parliament members the organization had issued a prohibition notice to halt additional access to the location.

In a declaration, the organization stated it was examining the situation and requested for details.

It commented: "We share the public's concern about incidents like this, which is why we take action against those responsible for waste crime."

A recent report discovered initiatives to combat significant environmental offenses have been "severely neglected" despite the situation growing larger and more advanced.

A parliamentary committee recommended an separate "thorough" inquiry into how "prevalent" illegal dumping is dealt with.