WARNINGS have been issued after a deadly plant was spotted in a popular Inverclyde beauty spot.

The discovery of exposed Hemlock roots — nicknamed ‘poisonous parsnip’ due to its similarity to the vegetable — was at Lunderston Bay and it can be harmful to humans and fatal for dogs.

A dog died and another is seriously ill after consuming the plant across the Clyde on a beach in Cardross on Tuesday.

This prompted Argyll and Bute Council to launch an investigation and send out a warning to pet owners.

The toxic plant has now been discovered at Lunderston near to the Inverkip end of the beach.

A reader contacted the Tele to warn fellow dog walkers to be careful.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “They look like bleached white carrots or thin parsnips but it is some kind of Hemlock root.

“Please warn all users of the shores on this side of the Clyde.” Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park (CMRP) manage Lunderston Bay and bosses have been asked to investigate by Inverclyde Council.

CMRP chiefs today refused to comment when contacted by the Tele.

The poisonous plant is said to be relatively common throughout Inverclyde and only becomes dangerous when the roots and tubers below the ground become exposed and accessible to animals.

Recent wet weather and gale-force winds are thought to have caused the plant to become exposed locally.

The council has confirmed it is monitoring the situation, with officials urging residents and dog walkers to be on guard.

A spokesman said: “The council along with partners are checking a number of locations where the roots of this plant may have been exposed after the recent stormy weather.

“It can be poisonous if eaten so we would echo the warning from Argyll and Bute.

“People should be vigilant while out walking their dogs and should not allow children or pets to come into contact with any plant growing wild which they are unsure about.” Greenock vet and Tele columnist Neil McIntosh says he has not had any cases of local dogs affected by the plant — but urged pet owners to beware.

Mr McIntosh said: “If there is any vegetable material lying about then I would urge people, as always, to prevent their dogs from investigating it.” Chiefs from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) say they are also aware of the situation.

A spokesman added: “We would advise members of the public to contact the local authority regarding any potential public health concerns, and Scottish Natural Heritage regarding any possible non-native species issues.”