by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

A venomous spider related to the deadly black widow has been spotted living in the garden of an Ashford resident.

Andrew Bennett, of Park Farm, said he found the false widow spider in his back garden one evening and watched as it killed other garden spiders.

It is also known to have bitten humans in the past, in some cases leading to hospitalisation.

Mr Bennett, of Redberry Road, said: "I had found it odd that I didn't seem to have common spiders around in my garden much this year.

"I have a friend who keeps unusual and foreign spiders so I contacted him and asked if he would come and have a look.

"He also felt they were false widows, but was concerned about the sheer number that are in my garden."

The spider, part of a group called Steatoda, have thrived in Britain, particularly the south, because of the milder winters.

Mr Bennett is now keen for other residents to keep their eyes open for the spider and be aware of what it can do.

The father-of-one added: "I have a young son who has always collected spiders and bugs and I have had to warn him not to go near them as they have nasty bites.

"Although not as venomous as their cousins the black widow their bite is very painful and apparently comparative to a bee sting."

For more news from Ashford, Folkestone and surrounding areas see the Kentish Express.