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False widow spider spotted in Greenhill near Herne Bay

A woman in Greenhill was shocked to see a large black false widow spider carefully spinning a web outside her window.

Claire Marie, of Greenfinch Mews,said she identified the spiders on the web.

She said: “I was on the phone to my dad, and thought to myself ‘no way!’. There was a huge spider outside.

The false widow spotted in Greenhill near Herne Bay
The false widow spotted in Greenhill near Herne Bay
Claire Marie from Greenhill who spotted a false widow spider
Claire Marie from Greenhill who spotted a false widow spider

“I was shocked to see it. I’ve read about them on Facebook and Twitter, but you don’t think they are round here, but they are.

“I searched for it on Google straight away, it’s definitely the right spider, spinning webs outside the window.”

“I’m worried there might be hundreds more out there! It grosses me out thinking about it.”

It follows two recent false widow spider sightings in Kent.

Last week Scott Langworthy thought he saw a false widow in Sheerness.

Sadie Perry was shocked to see her baby pick up a false widow in Ashford this week.

Originally from the Canary Islands, the creatures are thought to have arrived in England in 1879.

The earliest reports are believed to have been in Torquay, but they have since travelled across the south.

The harm caused by a bite from a false widow can vary depending on how much venom is injected.

It can cause chest pains, severe swelling and fingers tingling. It is Britain's most venomous spider.

Have you had a brush with a false widow? Let us know by calling the newsdesk on 01227 475985 or by emailing kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk

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