A MILKMAN who delivered more than the usual daily pint is facing investigation by his company after using a grassed area near a row of homes as a lavatory.

Now witnesses to the early morning sight of the milkman who was caught with his pants down have expressed disbelief, disgust and concern about the possible health risks.

Recalling Monday's early morning rude awaking, Liam Ward and his mum say they had trouble believing what they were seeing.

Mr Ward, 25, whose property at Cleadon Way, Upton Rocks, overlooks the spot where the incident occurred, said he and his mother 'did a double take' but were soon in no doubt as to what they were witnessing.

'I was in bed at the time when my mother shouted me to get up and 'have a look at this',' he said. 'She was saying she could not believe it and when I looked out of the curtains myself, I could not believe it either.

'What we saw was a milkman squatting on the grass to the side of my neighbour's house with his pants round his ankles and it is quite clear to us what he was doing.'

Describing what he had seen as 'a disgusting act', Mr Ward added: 'We could not get over it. We told the neighbours about it and then rang Express Dairies to tell them what had gone on as we were so disgusted.

'The thing is, this milkman is dealing with food products that are going into people's fridges and I think customers should know about it.

'A van came round to clear up the mess, but it's a complete joke...and I don't think I'll eat my cereal again.

'Let's not forget - people drink out of these milk bottles.' The owner of the house is reluctant to kick up a stink about the affair, but he wanted to make clear that the milkman's 'deposit' was not left directly on his garden.

The man, who did not want to be named, said: 'It was not on my property, it was to the side of the house.

'Somebody did come round and knocked on the door to clean the mess up but, personally, I don't have a problem with Express Dairies.

'I did not see it but the neighbours say they did and have been talking about it.'

Nicola Hedge, a spokeswoman for Express Dairies, said: 'We are looking into the matter as we do take these things very seriously.