Giant hogweed near Hereford's King George V playing fields

Often found on riverbanks where flowing water easily spreads its seeds downstream, giant hogweed became notorious in the 1970s with reports of children suffering skin damage and heavy blistering.

Will Smith spotted the plant near the King George V playing fields in Hereford, and said: "It's toxic for animals and people. More awareness needs to be raised on the dangers of this plant, and invasive non-native species in general."

Giant hogweed spotted by Will Smith (Image: Will Smith)

Chemicals in the sap make the skin sensitive to sunlight, and can lead to blistering, pigmentation loss and permanent scarring, and it should not be touched with naked skin.

Growing several metres tall and with flower heads as large as 60 centimetres across, the invasive plant has thick, bristly stems, jagged lobed leaves and umbel-shaped blooms.

It is an offence to cause the weed to grow in the wild, but there is no statutory obligation for landowners to eliminate it from their land.

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Local authorities can remove it under certain circumstances.

Herefordshire Council have been informed about the giant hogweed, which was spotted by Mr Smith on June 23.

The council has also been approached for comment on when and how it will be removed.