An Ipswich family have told of their heartbreak as their beloved dog died after a suspected poisoning in Christchurch Park.

Six-year-old Tuppence was walking around the park on Saturday, June 8 when she ate something placed below the bin. 

Over the next few days, she got sick and died last Monday. 

Ipswich Borough Council had previously confirmed it was investigating reports of pets being poisoned in the park.

Tuppence's owner Isobel Woolnough said: "She was full of life, and loved by everyone, and she passed away all of a sudden from whatever she ate that was placed below the bins that day."

Tuppence was seen as a dog full of life her owner saidTuppence was a dog full of life, her owner said (Image: Isobel Woolnough)

Mrs Woolnough added that Tuppence was never the kind of dog to eat something from the ground, and she would just go near the bins to urinate. 

"It is the first time that she was looking to eat something at the park, and you could basically not pull her away from it," she added. 

Mrs Woolnough has been walking dogs in the park with her partner Robert Woolnough for the last 17 and a half years, and Tuppence the poodle has a brother who she said has been pining all week. 

"There are some evil people out there who are leaving things for dogs to eat below the bins," she added. 

Mrs Woolnough warns others to be vigilantMrs Woolnough warned others to be vigilant (Image: Isobel Woolnough)

There have been reports of three poisonings in Christchurch Park in the last few weeks.

Mrs Woolnough said that the borough council has put up small posters around the park warning other dog owners.

She said: "I would warn everyone to remain vigilant and make sure you are looking after your dog at all times while they are in the park."

Ipswich Borough Council said it was treating the claims of poisonings "very seriously" - but no suspicious substances have been found in the park so far.

Extra patrols have been in place since the reports came to light.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We would encourage dog walkers to remain vigilant, to keep dogs under control within our parks and open spaces and to report anything suspicious to our parks team or the police."

Suffolk police said officers have not yet received any reports of poisonings, but would also advise people to get in touch with any further information.