Britains Beaches in Poison Fish Alert

Wednesday, 11th August, 2010 12:30:17 PM

BEACH users were yesterday warned of an invasion of poisonous fish - after 30 people were stung by them in a week.

Weever fish - usually found in the Mediterranean - have migrated to the UK coast due to recent warm weather.

Their dorsal fins are studded with spikes - which inject a fast-acting venom that causes "excruciating" pain.

They are almost impossible to spot as they bury themselves in the sand in shallow waters - with their spines sticking out.

Scores of swimmers and walkers - including young children - have been stung after treading on them at beaches around the country.

Matt Slater, of the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, Cornwall, said: "The pain is at its most intense for the first two hours when the limb swells up."

He urged beach users to wear sandals and shuffle their feet in the surf to scare away the fish.

He said the most effective treatment is to put the affected limb in water as hot as you can stand to break down the poison.

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