SEVERAL blocks of a ‘waxy substance’ believed to be palm oil, have washed up on Beesands beach in the past week.

Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team were called to Beesands at 6.40pm on Friday, October 14 - and the team quickly located the package.

The first block, three foot by one foot block, was found halfway between the old coastguard cottages and the car park. The package has been covered and marked with Coastguard tape to await disposal by a chemical disposal unit.

A second block was reported to have been found on Beesands beach on Tuesday afternoon.

Palm oil is extremely dangerous to dogs, and the public are urged to keep well clear of the beach.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: ‘We can confirm that we have received reports of an unconfirmed waxy substance washing up at Beesands beach.

‘The Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to investigate the reports and has cordoned off the area. The local authority have been informed so they can arrange for its removal.

‘As a precautionary measure we are advising that people in the area please keep their dogs within sight, preferably on leads, until we have further information about what the substance is.

‘Remember that if you see anything out of the ordinary washed ashore to please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard so that we can investigate it.’