Brits are being warned about a deadly plant which could prove fatal to pets and humans, and can be found in our gardens.

People are being told to keep an eye out for hemlock which bears a close resemblance to Cow’s Parsley.

Hemlock could easily kill if it was eaten as it contains fatal toxins.

The toxins grow naturally and include coniine and gamma-coniceine, which cause muscular paralysis.

Anyone who ingests the harmful plant could end up with respiratory failure - which could lead to death.

Only a tiny amount of Hemlock can prove fatal to a human or to livestock.

It usually grows in wet, marshy places and is often confused for its non-poisonous lookalikes such as wild carrots or parsnips.

Plant expert Whitney Bromberg Hawkings told a national newspaper: "Water Hemlock, which bears a close resemblance to Cow’s Parsley can be found dotted across the countryside the second the sun comes out, but can also be fatal to animals and humans alike within minutes of ingestion.

"It contains a highly poisonous chemical that is lethal if ingested, not to mention its strong carrot-like odour which makes it a garden foe."

Symptoms and risks

It can cause horrendous symptoms when ingested.

These include: vomiting, trembling, problems in movement, slow and weak later rapid pulse, rapid respiration, salivation, urination, nausea, convulsions, coma, and even death in domestic animals and humans.

A dog was taken ill and later died while out walking in County Antrim in early May, with the animal's death thought to be possibly caused by exposure to the poisonous plant.

Several other canine deaths have been reported in the area, reports the Daily Mail.

It is thought that the reason the plants have grown in abundance this year is due to the damp spring.