Two dogs have died and a third is seriously ill after ingesting an "unknown white substance".
Merseyside Police have cordoned off a park on Childwall Valley Road in Belle Vale this evening after reports four dogs had fallen ill. Officers received a report at around 2pm on Monday from a veterinary surgery, where a number of dogs had been admitted after ingesting an unknown substance.
It has now been confirmed by police that two of the dogs have died and a third is seriously ill, while another is continuing to receive treatment. Tests are being carried out to establish what the substance is and police remain in the area this evening.
READ MORE:Live updates as masked police officers cordon off park
READ MORE: First picture of mum found dead in house who was 'beautiful inside and out'
Residents living opposite the cordon were told to keep their windows and doors shut this evening. Pedestrians are being advised to avoid the area while enquiries continue to determine what the substance is and how it got there. Police said CCTV, house-to-house and witness enquiries are being carried out in the local area this evening.
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