A toxic invasive plant whose sap can cause serious skin burns has been found next to a footpath and main road on the outskirts of a seaside town.

Giant hogweed is growing along the main A149 coast road at Redgate Hill, on the main approach to Hunstanton.

Norfolk County Council said it would investigate the sighting and advised people to keep away from the plant.

Eastern Daily Press: Giant hogweed beside the A149 and the footpath on Redgate Hill in HunstantonGiant hogweed beside the A149 and the footpath on Redgate Hill in Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

One 6ft specimen's leaves are next to the pavement, while at least one other smaller specimen is growing in a hedgerow nearby.

The plant's sap is phototoxic, meaning anyone who comes into contact with it can suffer severe burns and blistering if their skin is exposed to sunlight.

Eastern Daily Press: Giant hogweed growing on Redgate Hill, at HunstantonGiant hogweed growing on Redgate Hill, at Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

Nicola Berns, from Snettisham, photographed the plant on her mobile phone on Tuesday afternoon to report it.

"It's very toxic, you can get nasty burns if it touches your skin," she said. 

"I've not seen it in this area before but as soon as you see it, you know what it is. They should come and destroy it."

Eastern Daily Press: A smaller specimen which is growing nearbyA smaller specimen which is growing nearby (Image: Chris Bishop)

A county council spokesman said: “Following a report of suspected giant hogweed on highway land we’d always visit the site to inspect, and if it is confirmed we would ensure it is removed safely.

"We would always advise people to keep away from the plant and not touch it.”

There were warnings last year after the plant was sighted growing along the River Wensum, in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Giant hogweed in flower near HunstantonGiant hogweed in flower near Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

Hogweed can be identified by its flowers, which resemble a larger version of the familiar cow parlsey.

Sightings should be reported to the Norfolk Non-Native Species Initiative, an organisation that monitors the impact of invasive species in the county.

Eastern Daily Press: Hogweed sap can cause severe skin burns and blisteringHogweed sap can cause severe skin burns and blistering (Image: Chris Bishop)

You should take a photo and send a 'what3words' location to NNNSI@norfolk.gov.uk. 

Giant hogweed, which originates from Central Asia, was first introduced to the UK as an ornamental in the 19th century when it escaped and naturalised in the wild.