'Killer' Asian hornets spotted in Devon amid fears swarms could invade Britain this summer

Deadly Asian hornets which can kill with just one sting have been ‘spotted’ in Devon – amid fears swarms could attack Britain this summer.
The Asian hornet - set to invade Britain.The Asian hornet - set to invade Britain.
The Asian hornet - set to invade Britain.

The Sun reported that two enormous hornets have been spotted in the south west - sparking fears the killer Asian hornet has arrived on the British mainland.

The monster insect, measuring about 4cm, was at first thought to be a "humming bird" when it buzzed past a horrified man.

The Asian hornet - set to invade Britain.The Asian hornet - set to invade Britain.
The Asian hornet - set to invade Britain.
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The witness told Devon Live that he was in a walled vegetable garden at the Arlington Court National Trust property when "something huge" flew past on Sunday.

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UK set to be invaded by deadly Asian hornets that can KILL with just one sting

He said: "It was about 4cm long, mostly black but with an orange tinge to the tail.

"Its wingspan was enormous - a horrible, ugly looking thing."

But after the picture was flagged to the British Beekeepers Association, it was confirmed to be a large European hornet.

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Another hornet was later spotted in Barnstaple inside a delivery driver's car.

Rob King said: "I dropped the window and it went out. After looking online I'm convinced it was a giant Asian hornet.

"People need to be made aware that these insects are now in North Devon and carry a potential risk of death."

Last week it was revealed that the hornets had arrived on Jersey in larger numbers than ever before.

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Sting victims allergic to the insect’s venom could go into anaphylactic shock and die, often with minutes.

The Channel Islands are a staging post for flying to the UK and a number of active nests have already been spotted and wiped out.

Alastair Christie, the Channel Island’s co-ordinator, said 13 “active nests” have been destroyed already, compared to just 12 nests in the whole of last year.

The warm spring followed by rainy weather is a perfect breeding ground for the hornets – who can devastate wildlife, including bees.