A deadly spider found lurking in a bunch of bananas has been put down.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, the most venomous arachnid in the world, was destroyed after it was found in the Co-op store, Wayfield, last week.

The RSPCA decided to destroy the South American beast after they found it had a leg missing.

A spokesman said: “We discovered it was injured and had a leg missing so it had to be put to sleep.”

Staff had previously said the spider was set to go to a private collector, although suitable carers would be few and far between because to keep such a pet a licence is needed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.

The spider, commonly found in South America, can kill with a brief injection of its toxic venom.

Those who survive the bite describe suffering excruciating pains, cold sweats, heart palpitations and a spreading burning rash.

The spider was discovered by staff while they were stacking bananas on shop shelves.