Dad's warning after poisonous giant hogweed bushes grow in Wakefield

Oscar and family in 2016 after he was hurt by giant hogweed.

Oscar Sunderland, 15, was left with a 10cm leg burns and needing hospital treatment after coming into contact with giant hogweed near Horbury Lagoon in 2016.

Now his dad Mark has spotted large bushes of the poisonous plant around the lagoon, the banks of the River Calder, and surrounding areas, and wants to make sure no other young people are hurt.

Mark said: “It literally starts eating your flesh, Oscar was a day or two away from skin grafts. It is really bad and people might not know until they come into contact with it.

Giant hogweed found in Wakefield this month.

“It’s an amazing plant it thrives like a trifid. I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else and there are more kids playing out now.” Wakefield Council said it was looking into the matter and would send staff to look for the plant.

Glynn Humphries, the council’s service director for environment and property, said: “It is an invasive weed, known for growing swiftly and aggressively and the land which is owned by the council in this area is sprayed once a year to keep any outbreaks at bay.

“In this particular area, there are islands in the river which fall under the responsibility of the Environment Agency and The Canal and River Trust and we are informing them of the issue.

“We will visit this area again to investigate if any further action is needed. We also ask members of the public to inform of us any areas of concern by calling 0345 8 506 506.”

Hogweed advice on the NHS Choices website said: “If you touch a giant hogweed, cover the affected area, and wash it with soap and water.

“If you feel unwell after contact with giant hogweed, speak to your doctor.