Dog walkers warned over giant hogweed

Dogs walkers are being warned to be vigilant of a toxic plant that can cause serious injuries to humans and animals.

Giant hogweed – a large plant that looks like an enormous cow parley – can be identified by its thick green stem which has patches of purple and white hairs on it.

The plant is usually found in more rural settings such as woodland, river banks, nature reserves, and parks

There have been reported sightings of the plant across the UK, including in Bath, Glasgow, West Malling (Kent), and Sunderland.

In the Wirral, one dog had to be put to sleep after she began to develop sores underneath her leg that continued to increase in size.