Council workers from Wyre in the UK wore white suits and masks on Saturday to remove huge chunks of a mysterious, possibly toxic substance which washed up on the beach at Cleveleys near Blackpool.<br /><br />Pet owners were warned to keep their animals well away from the area.<br /><br />Coastguard workers said it is ‘likely’ to be palm oil, which can prove fatal to dogs that lick or eat it, but are now awaiting test results.<br /><br />The Environment Agency has been drafted in to help investigate the incident, which is being treated seriously by council officials in Wyre. <br /><br />Fleetwood station officer Mark Sumner said: “If it turns out to be harmless, great, but if it’s palm oil dogs could end up very ill, and death is a possibility.” <br /><br />A spokesperson from Wyre also commented.<br /><br />“We have received reports of an unknown substance washed up on beaches between Knott End, Fleetwood and Cleveleys," the spokesperson said.<br /><br />"The substance can be described as fatty, oily, greasy with a rancid aroma and bright orange in colour,“ the spokesperson added.<br /><br />“The beaches remain open, but we advise people to supervise children carefully and keep your dog on a lead. Please avoid all contact with residue on the beach and in the water due to potential health risks.”
