Investigation ongoing after unknown substance found close to Childwall Valley Road

We are today, Tuesday 23^rd January, continuing our investigation after an unknown white substance was found in a park area close to Childwall Valley Road.

We received a report from a veterinary surgery at around 2pm yesterday (Monday) that a number of dogs had been brought to the surgery after falling ill after ingesting the substance.

Two of the dogs later died, one was seriously ill and a fourth one was being treated.

There have been no reports of any people, or further animals, being affected overnight.

Specialist contractors will be attending the scene to remove the substance in a safe and controlled manner and pedestrians and dog walkers are advised to avoid the area while the incident continues to be dealt with.

Chief Superintendent Jonathan Davies said: "The airborne risk from the substance is low but police officers who are at the scene are taking any necessary safety precautions.

"We would continue to advise people to avoid the area as the removal gets underway.

"Anyone who believes they were in the area yesterday 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 about the incident is asked to contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting reference 24000102507 of 22 January. 

You can also call or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.