A DOG walker is warning Cumbrian pet owners to beware of 'lethal traps' as they explore the countryside.

The dog owner was out on a walk at Devonshire Road Iron Works in Millom when he came across a plank of wood which had been fitted with upfacing nails.

He said he believes the traps had been set to stop children hanging about the site on their pit bikes.

He claims he had to stop his dog from stepping on it.

He said: "Please warn anyone and everyone you know who rides around there, walks their dogs or even takes their kids out to play there - anyone could have fallen on this.

"Save a life wear a mask, how about save a life and not put lethal traps down?"

Millom Mayor, Cllr Ruth Peter said: "I have seen people on quad bikes down there. As as far as I'm concerned they were just out for fun at the slag bank and to have a bit of a race. This has been happening for years, but I am afraid the nails in the wood are new.

"I am extremely sorry that people could be doing this, and I cannot see the real point in it.

"It is a shame that anyone would try and deter people from going outdoors, especially at the minute.

"We all need as much of the outdoors as possible, given the weather and Covid-19.

"It is very distressing that someone would do this."

Angela Dixon, who enjoys visits to the site, said: "Whoever is doing this needs to get a grip and let kids play.

"It is pathetic, it is not just about the children - what if some old person that hasn't had a tetanus jab stands on a rusty nail?

"The slag bank is for everybody, not for the select few.

"Dogs might have a bit more sense than humans and avoid standing on it.

"It is an absolute disgrace."