A new outbreak of a disease that can kill hundreds of varieties of plants and trees is sweeping into Sussex.

The latest cases of sudden oak death, caused by a fungus called Phytophthora ramorum, also known as sudden oak death, were detected in Cornwall and have been spreading east.

Despite its name, native UK oak are at the moment resistant to the disease, for which there is no known remedy.

It causes trees to “bleed” thick red sap and makes leaves turn brown before quickly destroying its host.

Sudden oak death has killed millions of trees in America and many other species in this country are vulnerable, including beech, larch, ash and horse chestnut.

Bruce Middleton, northern area manager of the South Downs Joint committee, said there has already been some recent cases in Sussex.

He said the disease affects rhododendron species more than any other plants and officers from the Forestry Commission have had to move quickly to destroy the plants before the disease spread.

Anyone who thinks they have seen symptoms of sudden oak death should call the Forestry Commission on 01420 526248.