"Do not give trade to door-knockers" - that's the message from Dorchester Police after fly-tipped garden waste was dumped in the town.

A "large amount" of garden type cuttings were found fly tipped in a Dorchester town location yesterday, triggering the warning by police to avoid paying for the services of doorstep traders offering to carry out services such as clearing garden waste.

Residents are also being asked to pass the message on to vulnerable neighbours.

A police spokesman said: "Please do not give trade to doorstep traders. Flytipping has an impact on the local community with cost for the council or land owner to clear.

"Please advise vulnerable neighbours to be aware of this current issue."