A NUMBER of dogs have been taken ill after food laced with poison was laid at Parkhurst Forest.

The dangerous substance, which looks like rat poison mixed with food, has been found at Marks Corner this morning.

Carisbrooke Vets currently has a "number of patients under treatment", they confirmed on social media.

Police have been informed and the County Press has asked Hampshire Constabulary for a statement.

Carisbrooke Vets said: "Dog owners please be aware that there has been another incident of poison being put down up at Marks Corner today and we have had a number of patients under treatment.

"The police have been made aware of the situation. We dislike giving attention to the type of individual who would do such a thing but please take care if walking in the area."

A County Press reader said the bright blue substance was mixed with baked beans.

She said: "Myself and Complete Canine Training spent a couple of hours cleaning this up to ensure no further harm was to be caused.

"Please can people avoid walking in this area for the foreseeable future until further investigation has taken place to prevent any firmer casualties."

The common signs and symptoms from ingesting the substance are anxiety, drooling, shaking, seizing, pyrexia (fever), respiratory distress and/or failure and it can sometimes be fatal.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.