A number of barrels, some containing toxic phosphoric acid, have been found washed ashore at IJmuiden and the island of Schiermonnikoog in the Wadden Sea, reports ANP news service.

The authorities have launched an investigation to find out where the barrels came from.
Phosphoric acid, which can cause breathing difficulties, is used in the manufacture of fertilisers.
The Wadden islands have sent several letters to the government over the past few months about potentially dangerous substances that are regularly washed up on its beaches.