Delivery firm Evri has apologised to customers after huge sackfuls of its parcels were dumped in the woods.

The deliveries were found discarded at the end of Beacon Road in Luton, Chatham.

A local resident made the discovery while out walking in a wooded area near Ash Tree Lane on Sunday.

Evri – formerly known as Hermes – has issued an apology to affected customers and says it has since recovered the items.

Reacting to images of the dumped parcels posted on social media, one disgruntled resident said: "This could be why my parcel didn't arrive."

While another online shopper added: "I've been waiting for a parcel since November 25. Can't get through to anyone."

The courier company recently opened a huge new distribution depot nearby in Aylesford, Maidstone.

It has come under-fire in recent weeks following several complaints raised by customers about unexplained delivery delays.

Shoppers have also raised issues over Evri's tracking app and online help service.

A spokeswoman from Evri, said: "We can confirm that we were alerted about a number of parcels that had been dumped at a local fly tipping location.

"Our local team visited immediately and recovered the items. We have contacted the police who are taking the necessary action and we have also launched a full investigation.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure the public that this is a rare incident and will not impact deliveries moving forward."

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure the public that this is a rare incident and will not impact deliveries moving forward."

She said everyone affected will be contacted and replacements or refunds organised.

Medway Council was also notified and is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Ian Gilmore, head of regulatory and environmental services at Medway Council, said: "The council investigates all fly-tipping incidents and will take all appropriate enforcement action.

"Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact our Environmental Enforcement team by calling 01634 333333.”

In a separate incident, a large amount of items were also found dumped behind Medway Maritime Hospital.

They were found opposite a block of flats on land off Longhill Avenue and a resident said the landowner had been notified.