A suspected toxic algae has been found in a popular country park.

Lakeside Country Park in Eastleigh has warned visitors of the blue-green algae.

The algae is harmful to both humans and dogs, with exposure to high-levels of it likely to cause irritation, allergic reactions, and potentially vomiting and nausea.

A spokesperson from the county park said: “We're advising park users to keep away from the lakes and not to allow your dogs near the water.

“The Environmental Agency has been notified, we will update this post when the algae has dispersed.”

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Dog owners are urged to keep their dogs on leads around lakes and rivers to avoid the algae.

An annual warning was issued to pet owners by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in May, asking them to take extra precautions.

It’s possible for dogs to come into contact with the bacteria even if they don’t go into the water for a paddle, as toxic blooms are often blown to the edges of water bodies.

BVA President Justine Shotton said: “We’d urge pet owners to keep them on a lead during walks near water bodies confirmed to have algal blooms this summer.

“The majority of blooms are toxic and it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.”