A VEGETABLE oil which could be fatal to dogs has washed up on a beach.

Solid blocks of palm oil have reportedly been discovered on the beach between Newhaven and Splash Point in Seaford.

The white and waxy substance is poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea leading to dehydration. It is not toxic to humans.

Jim Skinner, chairman of the Friends of Tide Mills, said dogs should be kept under close control and both the Environment Agency and Lewes District Council had been informed.

Palm oil washed up on the beach twice last year. In October, it was cleared away by the council.

In February, it washed up after a ship lost its load off the Cornish coast.