Palm oil has been found on Sussex beaches again, sparking a warning to dog owners to keep their pets away from the toxic substance.

Nuggets of the waxy, white, sulphur-smelling substance, which can be fatal to dogs when ingested, were found covering beaches at Newhaven and Shoreham over the weekend.

A few weeks ago a Labrador called Luna was taken to a vet after eating the substance on Brighton beach.

Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the pulp of the fruit of African, American and Maripa palms and is non-toxic to humans.

Palm Oil has been routinely and mysteriously washing up on the South Coast since October last year - starting with Cornwall which resulted in the death of Zanzi, a miniature schnauzer, a massive cleanup operation.

Vets in Cornwall have reported dogs are being brought into their practices on a daily basis that have consumed the substance.

Currently the origin of this outbreak of beachings is unknown, but it is suspected a load was either dumped or washed off a cargo ship.

TV vet Marc Abraham said: “If you are concerned, you should keep you dog on a lead and if necessary have them wearing a muzzle while on the beach.

“If you think your dog has swallowed something it shouldn't, contact your vet immediately.”