A total of 81 probes into water firms have been carried out by the government since the election, a rise of 150pc on the previous year.

Of these, 22 investigations have been launched into Anglian Water.

Ministers say the new crackdown is the largest criminal action against water companies in history and say it “could see bosses behind bars”.

Environment secretary, Steve Reed, said: “In East Anglia, like many parts of the country, water companies have too often gone unpunished as they pump record levels of sewage into our waterways. No more.

“A record number........

© Norwich Evening News