DOG owners who have hurled full poo bags into a tree in a residential area of Bournemouth have been condemned as "absolutely disgusting."

Dozens of little black bags have been thrown over a fence from an alleyway between Lowther Road and Methuen Road in Charminster.

Many have become attached to branches with others falling on to the grass below, which runs alongside the Wessex Way.

Bin liners full of rubbish have also been thrown over the fence.

A resident of Lowther Road said: "I walk along that alleyway on my way to work and it is absolutely disgusting. I didn't notice it at first but there seem to be more bags hanging there every day.

"It is a health hazard - people with children walk along here."

A dog walker, who did not wish to be named, said: "I have a dog and always clean up after her so I have no idea what sort of person would do this.

"Why would you go to the trouble of picking up the dog poo in a bag, only to throw it over a fence into a tree instead of putting it in a bin?"

Stuart Best, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Street Services Manager said: "If incidents like this occur we do our best to sort the problem out as soon as possible. We strongly urge dog owners to behave responsibly and pick up after their pets.

"They should use the bins provided, or dispose of the waste in their general rubbish bin at home. If we do catch individuals, they may be served with a fine."

Dog owners who fail to clear up after their pets can be given on the spot fines. If they fail to pay up, they could be taken to court and fined up to £1,000.