Visitors to Merseyside's coastline are being urged to avoid contact with a "potentially harmful substance" after around 500 barrels of oil leaked from a pipe near North Wales.
Small balls of tar may wash up on the Sefton Coast in the coming days and weeks following the incident, but visitors are being asked to avoid removing them themselves.
Authorities in Southport, Crosby and Formby previously warned that the leak of just under 80,000 litres may make it to our beaches in the form of 'tar balls.'
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National Trust Formby tweeted: "Following the recent oil leak on the North Wales coast, our rangers are assessing the impact of oil pollution on National Trust Formby, including its wildlife and habitats.
"Small balls of tar may wash up on the Sefton Coast in the coming days and weeks - we're asking visitors to avoid contact with this potentially harmful substance and keep children and pets away from tar balls on the beach.
"Visitors can report tar balls to greensefton@sefton.gov.uk or 0151 934 2961. Visit http://sefton.gov.uk/oilspill for the latest updates on this issue and the clean-up operation."
On February 14, it was confirmed by Eni UK Ltd that a limited hydocarbons release of less than 500 barrels from its pipeline between the Conwy and Douglas Installations, approximately 33km from the North Wales coast.
However, Sefton Council confirmed incidents like this are "rare" and partner agencies have a "robust plan" in place to ensure any contamination or disruption to the coastline is minimal.
It has been stressed that the removal of the waste should "only be carried out by professionals wearing PPE" and members of the public do not attempt to remove any ‘tar ball’ deposits.
A warning has been placed at the coastline warning visitors of the potential hazard and what to do if found.
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