FORGET the Day of the Triffids . . . the rare and poisonous giant hogweed is set to launch its own invasion of Blackburn.

Two of the weeds, which cause blisters and burns and can leave permanent scars, have been found in the town and fears are growing that the prolific plant could spread.

The latest outbreak of the weed, which grows up to 15ft, is on a patch of wasteground in Philips Road, near to a children's play area, a football pitch and the Glenfield Park industrial estate.

Its appearance has caused concern as the stems are attractive to children because they make ideal pea-shooters.

When touched, however, the weed releases a poisonous sap which causes the skin to react to sunlight and causes severe skin irritations, burns and large blisters.

The cauliflower-type plant, from the same family as the more benign parsley and carrot, is easily recognisible from the stems, which are covered in white hairs and purple blotches.

It was spotted by gardener Ralph Pilkington, of Blackburn-based Garden Force contractors.

He said: "This one is at least 10 ft tall and is about to go to seed, which would mean them spreading all over the place. That would be a catastrophe so someone needs to get rid of it."

Mrs Helen Smith, head of nearby St Stephen's Junior School, said: "Something like this would concern me greatly because children won't know what this plant is and they won't take any notice even if they are told not to go near it.

"As a teacher and a parent I would be worried about this plant and I will be raising the matter in assembly to warn the children to steer clear of it."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said it would only clear the weed if it was on riverbanks or in rivers.

As the land isn't council-owned, Blackburn with Darwen Council is not obliged to move it either.

Staff at nearby Percliff Plant Hire said they did not own the land, although they did own the road.

Little Harwood councillor Frank Gorton said: "I will contact the council and find out who owns the land. If they will not move it or we can't find the owner, I shall ask our officers to treat it. We can't let it spread. It is worrying."