A CRIMINAL investigation has been launched after another mobile home was abandoned on the A33.

As previously reported, there had been five homes dumped in a layby on the side of the major road between Basingstoke and Winchester between February and mid-April this year.

However, on April 30, a home was left in the carriageway after it had lost a wheel.

Now a seventh home has been left, but this time in a “dangerous” situation.

The home was left blocking most of the carriageway on Sunday causing disruption for motorists using the busy road.

One motorist who did not wish to be named said: “This is getting ridiculous now.

“At first it was just an eyesore when they [the mobile homes] were being left at the side of the road.

“Now it is becoming really dangerous, the way this home was just left in the middle of the road had the potential to cause a serious accident.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council had previously removed the abandoned homes, which had their windows smashed and rubbish left inside, using a low loader and with the assistance of a highway escort.

Now, a criminal investigation has been launched to find the people responsible for causing the act previously described as the “ultimate fly-tipping”.

Head of environmental services at the borough council, Tom Payne, said: “Clearly, abandoning such a large unit in the road is a very serious matter and one which shows complete disregard for public safety.

“We are not able to talk about an ongoing criminal matter, but we would like to assure residents that we, alongside Winchester City Council and Hampshire Constabulary, are working hard to progress this investigation. We ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see anything of this nature happening, to call 999.”