EMERGENCY services were called to investigate potential 'hazardous material' which had been fly-tipped.

Firefighters from Minehead were called to the road at Headon Cross, near Tivington, at around 2pm on Saturday.

A spokesperson said: "One appliance and a supervisory officer mobilised to reports of two sacks dumped in a lay-by containing some form of light coloured dust or powder.

"On arrival crews closed the road and wore respiratory protection to carefully examine the contents and look for some information."

Luckily, the materials were not found to be hazardous.

But the actions of the fly-tipper wasted the time of the emergency services, as well as causing potential environmental problems.

The spokesperson added: "Following a discussion with another hazardous materials officer, crews carried out a roadside test to confirm it was not believed to be high risk and possibly some type of very fine timber dust that has been fly tipped.

"Responsibility was passed to local authority to arrange collection.

"A call that was not necessary if the fly tipper had taken their waste to a legitimate disposal centre.

"Not only a potential health risk to passers by but also an environmental risk depending on its composition."