Hunt is on for person defecating on Sutton St James and Weston roads

People defecating in public places has caused a stink in two villages.

Members of the public have reported seeing human faeces, and toilet paper dumped around Weston and Sutton St James.

Officials believe the caught-short culprit – who is said to have struck several times in Sutton St James - may be driving a white van.

Resident Jennifer Garbutt told this paper she believes the poo ‘looks human’, however the identity of the phantom fecalpheliac remains unknown.

“It’s been happening on the top of Bell’s Drove several times and I’ve heard it’s happened elsewhere as well,” she said.

“We’re not sure who does it. Some people say they’ve seen a white van around there, but they’ve not been close enough to see the number plate.

“There’s toilet paper there as well. Even if you take your dog for a walk you don’t take toilet paper and wipe its bum.”

These dirty deeds have been the talk of a village Facebook group as stunned locals discuss the problem.

However, Jennifer believes that will only encourage the culprit to strike again.

“Someone’s doing it and they’ve got a sick mind. But the more you comment on it and give them publicity, they’re laughing and they’ll keep doing it,” she suggested.

A similar incident occurred at the village park in Weston sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning, when faeces and toilet paper were left at the scene.

“I don’t understand this. Surely it’s not a child. It beggars belief,” said Weston Parish Council chairman Chris Dicks, who has questioned whether the planned upgrade to the park should go ahead if ‘people treat it like that’.

“Why do people act like this? We know it’s a minority but it spoils it for everyone else.

“My colleague has got rid of the faeces but it’s not a nice job for anybody.”

With toilet paper left at the scene these acts appear premeditated.

There has been no sign of anyone sleeping rough in the area, although it has been suggested to this paper that the decline of community pubs and public toilets may force some delivery drivers, who spend long days in their vans, to take extreme measures.

Weston Parish Council, which could install CCTV cameras in their park, has contacted the police via email regarding the issue but says it is yet to hear back.

Lincolnshire Police has received no reports about the Sutton St James incidents, but South Holland District Council is calling on people with any information to get in contact.

“The council has been made aware of this issue, however at present the offender is yet to be identified,” a spokesperson said.

“From the information we have been given, it is likely that these offences are occurring in the very early hours of the morning and may involve an individual driving a white Ford Transit van.

“We would encourage anyone with any information relating to these previous incidents to report it to our community safety team at communitysafety@sholland.gov.uk or contact us on 01775 761161.”

Sutton St James Parish Council has been approached for comment.