A plant poisonous to humans and animals has been spotted in a couple of Suffolk villages and towns. 

Hemlock, which has been found growing in the village of Great Cornard near Sudbury, Southwold and Bucklesham, is a native common plant and can very easily confused with other species such as cow parsley.

All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed but it can also cause a painful rash if touched and especially if it makes contact with the eyes.

A spokesman for Suffolk Wildlife Trust said the poisonous plant produces umbrella-like clusters of white flowers in the summer and can be found in damp places, such as ditches, riverbanks and waste ground. 

The plant is tall, upright plant, hemlock can be distinguished by the distinctive and unpleasant, mousy smell of its foliage and its purple-spotted stems and its leaves are finely divided and large.