Pest experts are urging residents in the West Country to be vigilant following the first sighting of an Asian hornet in the UK.

The invasive species that preys on honey bees was spotted in Tetbury, Gloucestershire earlier this week and attempts are under way to find and destroy its nests.

But the British Pest Control Association says confirmed sightings in both the Channel Islands and now mainland Britain mean that many more are likely to be found.

The hornet, said to pose a real threat to our native species of bees, is already common across Europe 

Nicola Spence, Defra’s deputy director for plant and bee health, said: ‘swift and robust action’ would be taken to protect honey bees.

Sightings should be sent with a photograph and local details to