AN APPEAL has been launched to try and find the owner of dumped oil barrels after 45 gallons spilled onto a road and into the river near Taunton.

Police, firefighters, representatives from the Environment Agency and Somerset County Council have launched an investigation after the incident on Hillfarrance Road, Hillfarrance.

The authorities were called in the early hours of Wednesday morning following the huge spill, and immediately started a clean-up operation.

However, the oil spilled into the river that runs alongside the road.

The road was closed for the majority of Wednesday (March 8) during the clean-up operation, with specialist absorbent pads laid down to soak up the spill.

RELATED: Road closed after huge oil spill

Now, the authorities are trying to trace the owner of the dumped barrels on the road between Oake and Bradford-on-Tone.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: "The road was closed for most of yesterday while we were clearing the road, and some of the oil did spill into the river.

"Some of the barrels were left in a ditch, some on the road and some in the river.

"We worked alongside the police, the Environment Agency and firefighters to clean up the spillage.

"We have tweeted the pictures to raise awareness of the incident because there was a considerable amount of clearing up to do, and are asking people if they know any information about it to contact the Environment Agency."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We attended when this incident happened and when we were there, our officers put down absorbent pads and removed the oil drums and barrels.

"If anybody has got any information on how the barrels and drums were left there please call 0800 807060."

Firefighters also used specialist equipment to stem the flow and prevent it from leaking into the nearby drains and watercourse before handing responsibility for the scene back to Highways.