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Fears were raised after reports a weed resembling a toxic plant which causes blistering and blindness was found in Merseyside this week.

Sefton Council said they received a report that a dangerous plant called giant hogweed had been found on the Trans Pennine Trail which runs through parts of Merseyside.

The scenic route runs coast to coast between Southport and Hornsea in Yorkshire and is a popular route with walkers and cyclists.

Bosses of the route tweeted on Monday that part of the trail from Meadway in Maghull to Chapel Lane, Maghull would be closed for three weeks.

The precaution was in place as giant hogweed - which tends to flower in June and July - can cause horrific blisters, burns and potential blindness if touched.

Walkers were initially told to follow a diversion route that was put in place and other users such as cyclists were advised to find an alternative route while an investigation was taking place.

But, a spokesperson at Sefton Council said the investigation concluded the plant was not giant hogweed and the path was re-opened.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: After receiving a report of giant hogweed on the Trans Pennine Trail by Meadway, the council undertook an initial inspection and identified vegetation resembling the plant.

The section of the trail was temporarily closed and a full inspection carried out, which concluded that the vegetation in question was not giant hogweed.

The path was subsequently re-opened.

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Due to the plant looking relatively attractive, it is sometimes difficult to know it is a highly-dangerous weed.

So to keep safe, we have put together some advice on what the plant looks like, what to do if you touch it and how to report it:

What is giant hogweed and how can you protect yourself if you come across it?

Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a weed which has dangerous effects on human health, particularly children.

It was billed "the most dangerous plant in Britain" according to Mike Duddy, senior project manager at Mersey River Trust, due to the damage it can cause.

The toxic weed can grow to more than five metres (16ft) and is widespread along riverbanks, footpaths and canal towpaths, but can also found in any green space.

Its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing horrifying blistering within 48 hours even when lightly touched.

Effectively it prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, and children are the most sensitive to it.

Chemicals from the plant can even get into the nucleus of certain cells causing damage to DNA.

It can also cause blindness if in contact with the eyes.

The plant produces white or slightly-pink flower clusters in an umbrella-shaped head which doesn't make it look particularly dangerous.

The stems are hollow and green with purple blotches and stiff white hairs, and the leaves resemble those of the rhubarb plant, with "irregular and very sharp or jagged edges".

The plant tends to be in flower through June and July.

What are the side effects?

If exposed to the plant it can cause blistering consistent with a chemical burn and can form deep-coloured scars that can last for years.

Being exposed to the sap can also make your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, meaning blistering could recur over months and even years after your first exposure.

If the sap gets into your eyes it can also lead to blindness.

What to do if you come into contact with hogweed?

The NHS advise that if you touch a giant hogweed, you should cover the affected area and wash it with soap and water, or see a doctor if you develop a reaction.

How can I get rid of giant hogweed?

The Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) advises caution when removing the plant and warns people to cover their arms and legs and ideally wear a face mask when working on it.

It added that local authorities will often take action to remove infestations in a public area.

Cut plant debris, contaminated clothing and tools are potentially hazardous too.

Any skin that comes in contact with the plant should be washed immediately.

The RHS also warned people to ensure that contractors working on your land are aware of the risks and know fully how to deal with this weed.

Sefton Council said if the hogweed is at the side of the public highways it will likely to be for the local authority to treat.

On their website, Sefton Council said: "If the hogweed is at the side of the public highways it will likely to be for Sefton to maintain (treat) so please let us know via the contact centre 0345 140 0845."

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 made it illegal to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild.

Giant hogweed clearances are carried out to remove the plant.

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How to spot toxic plant which causes horrific blisters and blindness - Liverpool Echo

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