Liverpool: Two dogs die after eating unknown substance - police

The unknown substance was found in a park area close to Childwall Valley Road in Belle Vale

Two dogs have died and a third one is seriously ill after ingesting an unknown white substance in a park area, police have said.

Several dogs were taken to a veterinary surgery after eating the substance in a park close to Childwall Valley Road, Belle Vale, Liverpool, shortly before 14:00 GMT, Merseyside Police said.

A fourth dog is being treated, it said.

The force asked people to avoid the area and said tests were being carried out to establish what the substance is.

The area is currently cordoned off and CCTV and house-to-house and witness inquiries are being conducted, the force added.

Police said anyone who came into direct contact with the substance should "seek medical assistance"

Ch Supt Jonathan Davies said: "Whilst the incident is obviously of concern I want the public to be reassured that the matter is being dealt with and is under control.

"We would advise people to avoid the area as we seek to establish what the substance is and how it got there.

"Anyone who came into direct contact with the substance is advised to seek medical assistance if they believe they have suffered any ill effects.

"We would always advise anyone who comes across an unknown substance to not touch but to report it to police."

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]