Three men arrested in connection with the alleged export of 99 shipping containers of illegal waste from the UK to Brazil have been released on police bail.

The Environment Agency's National Environmental Crime Team are investigating the origin of 1,400 tonnes of waste reportedly found in Brazilian ports.

Agency officers and Wiltshire Police raided three properties in Swindon early yesterday morning.

A 49-year-old, a 28-year-old and a 24-year old man were arrested and have now been released on bail until the end of October.

Authorities in the South American country have claimed that at least two of the containers were filled with a mixture of household and clinical waste, including syringes and condoms.

But the Environment Agency, which has said it will take back the waste from Brazil, said it could not yet confirm what the containers had in them.

The rubbish, which will be transported back to the UK by the shipping lines which took them to Brazil, will be investigated and then disposed of correctly.

Waste can be sent abroad for recycling, but it is illegal to export it for disposal.

The maximum penalty for breaking the rules is an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said today: "Wiltshire Police have bailed the three men to reappear to the police in late October.

"Their passports have been seized and are required to report to Swindon Police Station twice a week.

"Environment Agency investigations are continuing."