The full scale of reported sightings of Britan's most venomous spider in Kent can be revealed for the first time today.

The false widow spider - a relative of the infamous and deadly black widow - has been spotted in homes and gardens across the county in recent weeks.

Widespread sightings from as far afield as Gravesend to Dover and Maidstone to Sheppey have sparked a wave of online panic.

In the last few weeks there have been dozens of reports of false widows found in Kent and London.

Although not naturally aggressive towards humans, its fangs are capable of piercing flesh and the venom can cause a painful swelling.

Dean Fauklin was stunned to spot one in his home in Bingley Close, Snodland.

He said: "I was getting ready for bed when I noticed a spider that I'd never seen before.

"I Googled it and it turned out to be the false widow. I'm completely shocked. My child was sleeping across the hall."

Another man who spotted what he believed to be a false widow in his Vinters Park garden placed it in a box.

Quentin Tucker, 56, who works in Fremlin Walk, said: "I just thought that it didn't look English, but quite similar to stuff online, so I caught it.

"It didn't seem to have much life in it, but it is still going."

Closer inspection suggests it is not a false widow as it lacks the distinctive white marking on its back.

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 strength of the venom can trigger a reaction similar to a wasp sting - and symptoms can include pins and needles, mild chest pains and swelling near the area of the bite.

If an allergic reaction is triggered, medical attention should be sought by contacting your doctor or visiting A&E.

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The false widow's web consists of many short, irregularly placed silk strands rather than more familiar radial creations.

However, Greg Hitchcock, an expert attached to the Kent Wildlife Trust, believes there is no great cause for concern.

He said: "They have been around for decades but reports of bites are quite infrequent, especially compared to dog bites. I've handled them before and not been bitten.

"They will only bite if they are startled. If you see one in your house remove it as you would a normal spider."

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