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Waste criminals have dumped a mountain of waste in a field in Oxfordshire.

The "ecological disaster occurring in plain sight" is approximately 150m (490ft) in length and 6m (20ft) in height.

The huge heap has appeared in a open area next to the River Cherwell close to Kidlington.

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

Conservation group reported the illegal rubbish dump was created about a month ago by an organised crime group.

"This is an ecological disaster unfolding in plain sight.

"Each day that goes by elevates the danger of toxic drainage entering the river system, contaminating wildlife and endangering the health of the entire watershed.

"Regulatory bodies must respond promptly, not in months or years, which is their standard action timeframe."

A restriction order had been put in place by the environmental authorities.

It is challenging to identify any individual pieces of rubbish as it appears to have been broken up with soil combined.

Part of the waste from the top of the pile has collapsed and is now only five metres from the stream.

The River Cherwell is a tributary of the River Thames, which means it runs through Oxford before joining the Thames.

The representative petitioned the authorities for help to remove the illegal site before it triggered a inferno or was carried into the aquatic system.

Informing MPs on Thursday, he said: "Illegal operators have dumped a massive amount of illegal polymer rubbish... totaling hundreds of tonnes, in my district on a riverside area adjacent to the River Cherwell.

"Water heights are rising and temperature readings demonstrate that the waste is also heating up, raising the risk of blaze.

"The Environment Agency said it has limited resources for compliance, that the projected cost of clearance is higher than the whole yearly allocation of the municipal authority."

Environment minister commented the government had inherited a failing disposal business that had created an "widespread problem of illegal dumping".

She informed representatives the organization had implemented a prohibition notice to halt additional entry to the location.

In a statement, the agency said it was examining the incident and requested for evidence.

It stated: "We share the citizens' concern about situations like this, which is why we intervene against those responsible for environmental offenses."

A newly released investigation determined attempts to combat serious illegal dumping have been "critically under-prioritised" despite the problem becoming more extensive and more sophisticated.

Government advisors recommended an independent "thorough" inquiry into how "widespread" waste crime is addressed.