Cyril faces thorny problem

A Shropshire pensioner has a thorny problem on his hands after a rare and highly poisonous plant sprouted alongside the bird table in his back garden. The plant is believed to be thorn apple.

Thorn apple, or Datura stramonium, is so toxic that anyone attempting to uproot one is advised to wear gloves and to cover their arms.

The annual weed which can cause serious dermatitis if it is brushed against.

All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of poison and may be fatal if ingested by humans or animals. The active ingredients are Tropane alkaloids which are classified as deliriants, or anticholinergics. Many hospitalisations, and some deaths, have been reported from recreational use.

Cyril Fletcher believes the specimen which has sprung up in his garden in Hartshill Avenue, Oakengates, Telford, has something to do with his bird table alongside.

Mr Fletcher, aged 73, said: "Maybe it was among the seed I put out for the birds and it fell from the table and germinated. I really don't kn- ow. I've read up about it and know it is very poisonous."

John Hughes, development manager with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said it had been at least 20 years since he had seen a specimen in the county.

He added: "I think it is coming into the country in bird seed.

"A lot of the seeds, like sunflower seeds, are grown abroad and when they are harvested all sorts of things in the fields are swept up alongside them accidentally."

He added: "I would love one in my garden but, then again, I am not like a lot of other people."