Liverpool City Council has provided an update after two dogs died as they ingested an unknown substance in a city park.
Merseyside Police cordoned off a park on Childwall Valley Road in Belle Vale on Monday evening after reports four dogs had fallen ill. Officers received a report at around 2pm from a veterinary surgery, where a number of dogs had been admitted after ingesting an "unknown white substance."
It was later confirmed two of the dogs had died and a third was seriously ill, while another is continuing to receive treatment at a local vets. Residents were told to stay indoors with their windows and doors shut as officers wearing masks surrounded the grassland opposite Lidl.
READ MORE: He'd led a blameless life for 27 years then his wife found out what he was up to
READ MORE: Exact date this week to check your bank account for £600 DWP cash
As police carried out tests to establish the nature of the substance, pedestrians were advised to avoid the area and the park was closed. Today Liverpool City Council has provided a fresh update on the situation.
At 4pm on Tuesday, a council spokesperson said: "The park will remain closed for the remainder of the day.
"The specialist contractor has assessed the site and will remove the substance tomorrow. The park will then reopen once Merseyside Police completes a final search. Thanks for your patience."
In an earlier statement, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Davies said: “Whilst the incident is obviously of concern I want the public to be reassured that the matter is being dealt with and is under control. We would advise people to avoid the area as we seek to establish what the substance is and how it got there.
"Anyone who believes they were in the area and came into direct contact with the substance is advised to seek medical assistance if they believe they have suffered any ill effects. We would always advise anyone who comes across an unknown substance to not touch but to report it to police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting log 454 of 22 January. You can also call or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here