Dog walkers are being urged to take care as a substance dangerous to dogs is washing up on beaches across the county.
The white oily material, believed to be palm, washed up over the weekend.
Palm oil can be fatal to dogs if ingested and but is not harmful to humans.
Shoreham Harbour beach pollution. Picture: Gerald Legg
We think that there's a Palm Oil spill stretching from SplashPoint eastwards. Please be aware & keep dogs above the high tide mark.
— Adur and Worthing (@adurandworthing) January 24, 2016
A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "We are currently investigating the origins of this material that is washing up on the beaches. Past incidents have shown it is likely to be residues from a vessel that has cleaned its tanks after discharging its cargo.
"Previous incidents have indicated that this type of substance could be harmful to dogs and we would ask the public to stay away from the areas of Folkestone and Worthing beaches where it has been reported.
"It is recommended to keep your dogs within sight, preferably on leads, and if you do see a whitish sponge like substance in appearance that looks out of place on the beach then please report it to HM Coastguard."
Beach pollution at Widewater Lagoon, Lancing. Picture: Gerald Legg
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel