Police waded into a row about whether a Richmond resident was laying dog poison near their home.

Posts on social media suggest the Stanmore Road resident intended to harm animals or even children in doing so.

But Richmond Police said in fact the product was an "animal-safe dog repellent" rather than a harmful poison.

The police response came in a post on Nextdoor by PC Richard Valiant which you can read below.

'Response to report of rat poison in North Richmond'

We have become aware of reports circulating on social media about the apparent use of dog or rat poison in the Stanmore Road area of North Richmond.

There is an insinuation in these posts that there is an intention to harm animals and/ or children.

Last week while on routine foot patrol, we were stopped by a concerned dog walker and advised about this particular matter.

We investigated there and then and met with the persons who had put the substance on the pavement.

Officers were assured (and saw) that the product is not a poison; rather an animal-safe dog repellant from local dogs on the property boundary.

The dog walker who stopped us was also advised of this at the time.

The substance had been deposited on the property boundary with the knowledge of all occupants within that property.

It is a widely-available product easily purchased online and from pet stores.

Dog walkers are reminded of their responsibilities to clear up after themselves.

Further information is available here.