Child suffers horrific third-degree burns after touching 'Britain's most dangerous plant'

A child has been left with horrendous third-degree burns after coming into contact with giant hogweed in Bolton .

The four-year-old girl was playing in Longsight Park in the Harwood area when she touched the hazardous wild flowering plant on Saturday (June 4). The youngster developed severe blistering which required hospital treatment, prompting her primary school to issue an urgent warning.

In a statement, Hardy Mill Primary School said: “One of our children has sadly been in contact with this plant over the half term break and ended up at the hospital with second degree burns. Please look out for this plant in your garden and when out and about with you children.

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“We have been informed that this plant is definitely growing in Longsight Park. It would be helpful to show your children what this plant looks like so they can avoid coming into contact with it.”

Giant hogweed, which has been described as Britain's 'most dangerous plant’, can cause serious health problems and major irritation to skin as its toxins seep deep into the cells. The weed can grow up to 20ft tall, while each giant hogweed plant can spread out to cover a range of around two metres too, making it highly invasive.

Giant hogweed is part of the Apiaceae family which also includes plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander. But unlike the household favourites, the weed can be harmful and continuously grows.

Formally known as Heracleum mantegazzianum, it was introduced to Britain in the 19th century from Eurasia and is similar in appearance to cow parsley but supersized. Its sap is one of the most notable parts of the plant, with