'Poisonous bread’ is being left along dog walking routes in Southport

An urgent warning has been issued after a dog owner found ‘poisonous bread’ when walking his pet in Merseyside.

The owner has taken to social media to warn others about the supposed ‘deadly bread’ discovered by the train tracks on the sandhills in Ainsdale.

The owner explained: "My brother had to chase my dog to get a piece of it off him before he ate it.

"We bagged it all up and the police now have it to be tested, but you could clearly see and smell something strong had been spread on it.

"This isn't an isolated incident, and these piles of bread/dog treats have been spotted all around Southport."

Other photos suggest ‘poisonous bread’ has been found in Birkdale, Formby and Ainsdale Pinewood.

However, more further afield dog owners have also reported the issue in West Sussex and Fife in Scotland.

The original post, which has now been shared more than 2,000 times, has been met with outrage by locals.

Ali Greenwood said: "I collected some near mine too. I don't know how people can do this! Makes my blood boil.

Gaynor Stanton commented: "What the hell is wrong with some people? Why leave poisoned food about? How sick are these individuals?"

Sheryl Flint said: "I've got this bread. It's definitely been laced with something, even stung my eyes."

Hayley Furlong added: "Happened by Southport Kew, someone had left treats where people were up there with their dogs. Bloody horrible.