A national trade body has issued a warning about an injurious invasive weed which poses a public health risk during the summer.

The Property Care Association has emphasised the dangers of giant hogweed with 'incredibly toxic' sap and urged people to be careful.

Experts at PCA point out that the recent patterns of wet spring weather, both this year and in 2023, contribute to the plant thriving and expanding its presence across the UK.

PCA's technical manager of the Invasive Weed Control Group, Daniel Docking said: "Too often there are reports of people who have been injured after inadvertently coming into contact with Giant hogweed.

"Children are particularly vulnerable, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer."

The injury risk heightens when contact with Giant hogweed coincides with UV light exposure, such as being outdoors in the summer.

(Image: Property Care Association)

Mr Docking added: "Anyone unfortunate to come into contact with Giant hogweed can develop symptoms including a rash, itching and blisters where skin touches any part of the plant."

In severe cases, immediate medical attention may be required.

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To help the public recognise this harmful plant, the PCA has published an identification guide.

Its noteworthy features include a height reaching up to five metres, large white flowering head, sharply serrated leaves and purple blotchy marks on the stem.

Mr Docking said: "Giant hogweed has distinctive features, which should help people to recognise it, although we urge the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it.

"The plant can sometimes be confused with UK’s native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or even Hemlock, all of which are much smaller in size and have leaves with a smoother outline."

It comes after injuries have been reported from Giant hogweed in the area, with a nine-year-old from Ryhope recently suffering from “very painful blisters” after coming into contact with the plant.