Barrels of ‘acid’ dumped in Royal Docks Road, Beckton

Hundreds of litres of what is thought to be a high-strength industrial acid have been dumped on a road in Newham. 

Eleven large barrels of a substance, which Newham Council said is believed to be acid, were identified by one of the authority’s officers in Beckton.

They were found on a slip road off Royal Docks Road on Thursday, June 1.

A council spokesperson said the “isolated” scene was attended by London Fire Brigade who confirmed the substance was a potential hazard, but stable.

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Councillor Amar Virdee, cabinet member for community safety and crime, said: “This is an outrageous criminal act – whoever is responsible clearly has no regard for the safety of people who may have come into contact with this substance.

“Eleven barrels of this material were deliberately dumped in an area, which although isolated, is easily accessible to the public.

“In addition to disregard for public safety, Newham officers were diverted to the scene for hours to make it safe and organise an emergency specialist team to remove the barrels, at a cost of thousands of pounds of council taxpayers’ money.

“It is vital those responsible are caught and stopped from repeating their crimes.”

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Newham Council is appealing to anyone who saw a van or truck carrying the distinctive blue barrels in the vicinity of Royal Docks Road on Thursday to call it on 020 3430 2000 or report via the council website. 

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam footage which may have captured the incident.

A report can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can make a report anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.