Leaking LPG tank dumped in New Road, Hardley, was 'fire hazard' to New Forest

A FIREFIGHTER has slammed the “selfish” dumping of a leaking fuel tank which could have posed a fire and environmental risk in the New Forest.

The alarm was raised following the discovery of the liquid propane gas cylinder on a public footpath in New Road, Hardley, shortly before 4pm last Thursday.

Leaking from a damaged valve, the tank was allowed to continue venting as a crew from Hardley helped Havant fire station commander Dave Graham set up a cordon.

The incident was then handed over to a monitoring team from Fawley refinery before the local council arranged the empty tank’s collection. Crews left the scene around 6.25pm.

Sharing a video of the incident on Twitter, Mr Graham sarcastically wrote: “Thank you to the kind person who dumped their full vehicle LPG tank with a broken valve in the New Forest.

“Fire and environmental hazard. Please dispose of your waste safely.”