Residents are terrified after a giant toxic plant billed ‘the most dangerous in Britain’ was spotted blighting a Merseyside beauty spot.

Parents are being warned to keep their kids away from Hogweed, which looks attractive but has a number of nasty side effects for those who come into close contact with it, including blistering and blindness.

The dangerous plant has been spotted in a number of locations in Wirral, with shocking photos doing the rounds on Facebook.

Ian Burrows, who spotted it behind Leasowe Bay golf course six weeks ago. says it has doubled in size since then, but the council have done nothing about it.

He said: “I came across it whilst walking the dog with my girlfriend on the 15th May, I emailed them once I got home to express my concern. It’s doubled in size since. The pictures I posted are from when I checked on them a month later 19th of June.”

People have been quick to share their horror and disgust on social media, as the plant is known for its harmful qualities.

One said: “Really worrying. It’s now taken hold by the boating lake on the promenade. I’ve reported it several times.”

Another fumed: “They’ve sectioned an area of this, just before the Moreton Spur as your heading to New Brighton on the motorway. You’d think they’d be hot on it when it’s just off a public footpath!

As well as blighting an area near Leasowe Bay footpath, pictures show the plant has also been spotted by Mosslands school and at the bottom of Cross Lane. in Wallasey, and at the railway embankments going towards Birkenhead north.

What is Hogweed?

Giant Hogweed, or Heracleum Mantegazzianum, is a weed which has dangerous effects on human health, particularly children.

The toxic weed can grow to over four metres (13ft) and is widespread along riverbanks, footpaths and canal towpaths, but can also found in any green space.

Its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing horrifying blistering within 48 hours even when lightly touched.

Effectively it prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, and children are the most sensitive to it.

Chemicals from the plant can even get into the nucleus of certain cells causing damage to DNA.

However it doesn’t look dangerous, and produces white flower clusters in an umbrella-shaped head, making it attractive to passers by.

What are the side effects?

The blistering is consistent with a chemical burn and can form deep coloured scars that can last for years.

The stems, roots flowers leaves and even seeds contain the irritating toxins which means any part of the plant can cause damage to the skin.

However the sap is particularly toxic, causing harm when exposed to sunlight.

Despite claims that it can cause blindness or temporary blindness, there are no scientific studies to back this claim.

Blisters caused by giant hogweed tend to heal slowly and can also develop into a recurrent sun-sensitivity reaction that can result in third-degree burns when exposed to sunlight – and the reaction can reappear for many years after contact.

What to do if you come into contact with Hogweed

Hogweed has been billed ‘the most dangerous plant in Britain’ by the River Trust.

The NHS advise that if you touch a giant hogweed, you should cover the affected area and wash it with soap and water, or see a doctor if you develop a reaction.

Those who find giant hogweed on their property should take care when getting rid of it – avoiding bright sunlight when doing so.

However the removal of large amounts of the plant is better left to professionals.

There is no legal obligation for landowners to remove the plant, but local authorities will often take action to remove infestations in public areas.

A Wirral Council spokesman said: “Council-owned land affected by hogweed in the Leasowe Bay area has been treated with weed-killer, and this is currently taking effect.

"We cannot treat privately-owned land, but will contact landowners in the area to advise them on how to treat hogweed.”