BEACH-GOERS are being warned to tread with care following the visit of an unwelcome guest - the Weever Fish.

Like the thousands of people who have been flocking to the Dorset beaches, the Weever Fish is attracted to the coastline by the hot weather.

The fish lies hidden in the sand in shallow water and hands out a nasty sting if it is stepped on by unsuspecting swimmers.

One of its latest victims is nine-year-old Harry Timms.

The Ringwood Junior School pupil went for a paddle in the sea at Alum Chine late on Friday night when he felt a rush of sudden pain.

His mother Jo, of Glenwood Road in West Moors, said: "He came out of the water crying in pain. He said he had stubbed his toe but he was beside himself.

"A member of the public came up to us and told us he had probably been stung by a Weever Fish."

Following advice from the member of public they put Harry's toe into hot water to ease the pain and then took him to casualty.

Mrs Timms added: "We have lived here for 14 or 15 years and I have never heard of the thing. I think there should be some signs put up warning people that they are in the sea and informing them of what to do if they get stung."

Brian Cummings, senior beach inspector, said: "They appear in hot weather all over Europe.

"People should put their feet in hot water - starting at warm and increasing the temperature slowly - for 15 minutes.

"For anyone who does get stung there are lifeguards, beach staff and first aid people on hand to help."

Mr Cummings added that it would be very hard to put signs along Bournemouth's seven miles of beach to warn people about Weever Fish especially when they come and go so often.