FURTHER warnings are being issued about bottles of vodka contaminated with the dangerous chemical methanol.

The bottle of Original Vodka Russian Export Quality was found to contain the substance in Scotland recently and Bolton Council's Environmental Services is now reiterating its concern that the dangerous spirit could find its way onto the streets of the town.

Methanol poisoning can cause serious harm to health. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision leading to blindness. These can be delayed for several hours so anyone who may have drunk this vodka may not be immediately aware of its dangers.

Ursula Seddon, Bolton Council's Head of Consumer Protection said: "We are asking people who buy vodka to check the labels carefully to make sure they are not buying this contaminated brand.

"People should also check the labels on any bottles they may have at home."

The bottle of Original Vodka Russia Export Quality, found in Lothian, had a label which featured a coat of arms with two lions, a star and crown and a shield in the middle. The back label has a batch code (Lo958) and barcode (5414145035066).

The warning follows recent alerts over other brands of whisky and vodka.

If anyone finds or has bought the vodka, they should contact Environmental Services at Weston House, Weston Street, Bolton, as quickly as possible on 01204 336500.

The Food Standards Agency website (www.food.gov.uk) contains further details and photographs of the vodka.