DOG walkers have been alarmed by rumours someone has been spreading poison around Basildon’s parks.

A group of concerned owners even organised meeting at Langdon Country Park to discuss whether their pets could be in danger.

It followed rumours someone has been laying poison on the ground around the Westley Heights entrance of Langdon Hills Country Park, as well as in Gloucester Park, and One Tree Hill, with the intention of harming dogs.

Moira Brock, 59, of Mellow Purgess, Laindon, said: “I got the warning through an e-mail from another dog walker and I know a group of dog walkers had a meeting.”

Another Basildon woman who regularly walks her dogs around the parks, but asked to remain anonymous, said: “A lot of people are quite worried about this. I don’t know if the rumour’s true, but it’s been spreading like wildife by word of mouth between dog walkers.”

However, neither Basildon Council or Essex Police say they have had any reports of poison being discovered in the parks and it not thought any dogs have been injured so far.

Council spokesman Paul Ilett said: “The council has not received any complaints relating to this issue, but officers will review any information passed to them.”

Anyone who discovers poison can report it to the council’s parks department on 01268 533333.