Work is underway to fight 'killer' Asian hornets before they arrive in UK for first time

Killer hornets have been spotted in the UK for the first time ever and are feared to be breeding successfully, according to experts.

The Asian hornet - which poses a severe risk to the world's bee population - was discovered in Gloucestershire.

Smaller than the UK's native hornet, this particular species grows up to 2.5cm and poses no greater risk to human health than than common “yellowjacket” wasps.

However, they do pose a risk to honey bees.

According to experts, the Asian hornet waits outside bee hives before biting the honey bee's head off.read more