An invasion of toxic caterpillars has sparked health concerns after the hairy insects were discovered in a Kent village.

Hersden Parish Council has issued a warning urging people to be vigilant of the brown-tail moth caterpillar - which can cause skin irritations and even breathing difficulties.

Kent County Council will be sending a team to treat the area in a bid to tackle the infestation near the A28 in Hersden.

People have also been urged to be wary in their gardens and hedging in the village near Canterbury.

The species, whose larvae is often found in tell-tale silken webs, has thousands of tiny hairs that can cause intensely itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats.

In severe cases, contact with the caterpillar's spiked and barbed hairs - which can penetrate skin - can cause breathing difficulties and trigger asthma attacks.

They are between 7mm and 38mm in length with a distinctive white line down each side.

The whole body is covered in tufts of brown hairs and two distinct orange / red dots are noticeable on the caterpillar's back towards the tail.

Asthmatics and hay fever sufferers are also warned not to inhale the hairs as they can cause breathing difficulties.

The rash is similar to one caused by nettles and the discomfort should disappear after a few hours.

A warm bath with the application of calamine lotion or antihistamine cream may ease the itching.

If any other symptoms are experienced or the irritation persists, sufferers are advised to seek medical advice.

Brown-tail caterpillars are common in late spring and summer but gradually disappear as they turn into moths.

Experts believe the species, which is native to the UK but most often found in coastal areas, is becoming more common due to warming climates.

Similar concerns were raised last year after the critters were seen in abundance in hedgerows along the A28 between Hersden and Upstreet.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury