A large pile of waste which smells "horrendous" was fly-tipped at a Rainham hotspot.

Havering Council's spokesperson said its crews visited St Helens Court and cleared the fly-tip "earlier this week".

Prior to this, the mass of mess dumped in the estate's car park was preventing residents from moving their cars, they said.

A source told this newspaper that the fly-tipping included human excrement, rats and broken glass.

They added: “There are many children living and playing here and one lady has already had a cat take a rat into her house.

“The smell is horrendous.”

Another resident said the fly-tipping is blocking numerous vehicles and is a "huge fire hazard” because some of the properties are "unable to be accessed by emergency services”.

Romford Recorder: A source said the smell coming from the dumped items, which include 'human excrement', is 'horrendous'.A source said the smell coming from the dumped items, which include 'human excrement', is 'horrendous'. (Image: Supplied)

It comes after residents petitioned about parking permits being introduced on the estate last year.

Since then, the proposals to introduce the parking permits have been recommended for approval.

Havering Council's spokesperson said it will continue to work "with residents to tackle ongoing fly-tipping and parking issues".

It will also "be taking the strongest action against those found responsible".

They encouraged residents to dispose of waste responsibly and to report fly-tipping.