What was feared to be a palm oil deposit on Abereiddy beach has turned out to be nothing more than a lump of clay.

Pembrokeshire residents were alerted to the potential palm oil spill on Abereiddy via postings on social media yesterday.

Palm oil is a yellowish or white waxy substance. While it is not harmful to humans, it can kill pets - particularly dogs - if ingested.

The substance on Abereiddy was feared to be palm oil. However Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed today that it was a lump of clay.

“It turned out not to be palm oil – it was a lump of clay,” said a county council spokesperson. “One of our officers went down and inspected yesterday.”