Horror bite from Britain's ‘most dangerous spider' leaves man struggling to walk & in ‘unbearable' pain
He's since urged Brits to go straight to hospital if they suspect they've been bitten
ARACH ATTACK Horror bite from Britain's 'most dangerous spider' leaves man struggling to walk & in 'unbearable' pain
A BITE from "Britain's most dangerous spider" has left a man in "unbearable" pain and struggling to walk.
Keith Robinson, 65, says he developed a large, angry inflammation on his leg shortly after clearing out cobwebs at home.
6
Keith Robinson developed a large inflammation on his leg shortly after clearing out cobwebs at home
Credit: Credit: Pen News
6
He said the pain was unbearable
Credit: Credit: Pen News
6
Keith said it's left him struggling to walk
Credit: Credit: Pen News
At first he tried to treat it himself using painkillers and Savlon, but before long it became too much to bear and he went to the hospital.
Now he's been diagnosed with cellulitis around the wound, and can only walk for short distances before "intense pain" sets in.
Keith, from Watford, Hertfordshire, believes a noble false widow was responsible.
He said: "It must be more than coincidence that I had removed a large number of cobwebs from the house by hoover.
"So I'm thinking that I've disturbed a spider, and at some point, I got bitten."
The bite, unnoticeable at first, only got worse as the days passed.
He said: "The stinging pain almost became unbearable at times until I was given stronger pain killers and antibiotics.
"The worst it got was the weekend of May 10. That's when I decided it was best to go to the hospital.
"Doctors diagnosed cellulitis due to infection of the bite.
Giant huntsman spider lurking in his bunch of Aldi bananas
"I was given a blood test and put on a saline drip, before I was released with painkillers and antibiotics."
The noble false widow is "widely regarded as the most dangerous spider breeding in Britain," according to a 2020 paper by Clive Hambler, an Oxford University zoologist.
Known as Steatoda nobilis, the spiders are not native to Britain and are thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands in banana boxes in the late 1800s before slowly spreading northwards.
Keith hadn't realised just how severe a spider bite could be in Britain.
He said: "I can work but I am not able to walk very far without intense pain in that leg for quite a while.
"Life at home is very sedentary at the moment.
How to spot a noble false widow
These spiders are well distributed through southern England. This is how you can spot them:
Abdomen markings: They have a narrow white or lighter band around the front of the abdomen towards their head, with other markings that vary by species.
Abdomen shape: Females have shiny abdomens. Male abdomens are smaller and less rounded, but have clearer markings.
Webs: Their webs are a tangle of criss-cross threads which may become quite dense in the centre if left undisturbed.
"It's not easy to cope with being so immobile now and the pain can be relentless without the painkillers.
"I hope I never get bitten again - this has been a painful experience just from a spider bite here in the UK."
Now he's speaking out to warn others to be cautious around the noble false widow.
He said: "Avoid them - check all spiders in your house or outbuildings where they like to live and remove them if found.
"If you catch a bite or suspect one then go to hospital and get it checked out the same day."
6
Keith had to go to hospital to treat the bite
Credit: Credit: Pen News
6
The noble false widow is thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands
Credit: Credit: Pen News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The exact time of day to hang out your bed sheets and towels to avoid the dreaded pollen bomb of hay fever symptoms
Around 16 million people could benefit from drying washing indoors this summer BREATHE EASY The exact time of day to hang out your bed sheets and towels to avoid the dreaded pollen bomb of hay fever symptoms Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH the sun shining more it can be very tempting to hang your laundry out to dry in the garden. However, experts are warning people against drying their sheets outdoors as it could leave them feeling awful. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Experts are warning people against drying their sheets outdoors as it could leave them feeling awful Credit: Getty 3 Pollen can cling to anything which could worsen your symptoms Credit: Alamy 3 Some of the ways that you can lesson the symptoms A sizzling heatwave is on the horizon for Brits this month, which will please most sun lovers. And many people will love the chance to hang their wet washing outside and let it dry naturally. However, experts have warned against this if you have hay fever, as it could lead to symptoms including itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing - getting worse. Tiny articles of pollen can stick to everything including your hair and clothes and once it gets inside your home it can settle on sofas, carpets, and bedding. Allergy expert, Deborah Grayson, working with appliance brand Hisense, explained: 'When you hang clothes up outside during high pollen season. "They act as a pollen net as fabrics can trap microscopic particles easily, especially in heavier weaves like towels or bed linen. 'When you bring your laundry inside, you bring those allergens straight into your living space and for sensitive individuals, that's enough to trigger hours – if not days - of dreaded symptoms.' Grayson said that drying clothes and bedding in a tumble dryer can cost more in electricity than hanging your clothes outside. But that 'For someone battling allergies, the trade off isn't always worth it'. What is hay fever: Hayfever season strikes early as mild winter sparks early pollen 'explosion' However, she explained that if you do want to dry your clothes outside, you should hang them out earlier in the day. 'Pollen counts rise in the morning, peaking at midday and then start to fall. "Drying clothes early in the morning and not leaving them out all day can be really helpful," she explained. Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert at And So To Bed, provided other tips on how to keep hay fever at bay this summer. How to know if you have Hay Fever Hay Fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Hay Fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks. Typical symptoms include: Frequent sneezing Runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose) Less commonly, you may also experience: The loss of your sense of smell (anosmia) Facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses) Headaches Earache Tiredness and fatigue If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever. Keep your head elevated Symptoms associated with an allergy are usually worse at night. This is because when we lie down, the mucus cannot drain in the same way it would when gravity is helping, leading to disturbed breathing or a cough caused by a post-nasal drip. For this reason, you should aim to keep your head slightly elevated at night if you are struggling with allergies. This will bring gravity back into the mix, allowing excess mucus to drain and not pool and lessening the irritation. Shower before bed Taking a shower before bed will wash away any pollen that may have clung to your skin and hair from outside. Instead of transferring this onto your bed linen, make a habit of washing yourself before bed. This is also a great tip for when we still start to experience warmer evenings again as a cool, not cold, shower will help to lower your body temperature making it easier to drift off to sleep. Keep windows closed during the day It might be tempting to open the window a fraction to let some fresh air in on a sunny spring day, however, if you're a hay fever sufferer, you try to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home. Having your windows open during the day will allow pollen particles to blow in and settle on your clothes, bedding and other soft furnishings within your room, making your symptoms much worse when it comes to bedtime. Invest in an air purifier Investing in an air purifier is useful for those with hay fever as it will remove pollen and dust particles from the air that trigger your symptoms. This can be extremely beneficial for clearing your sinuses, which should allow you to fall asleep quicker and more comfortably as a result. Elsewhere, an allergy expert recently revealed the 8 things all hay fever sufferers need to do. Plus, here are four cheap tricks to beat hay fever season without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned of hay fever hell approaching, with pollen levels swarming to 'high' in much of the UK from today. And finally, the 6p supplement that will help prevent the agonising symptoms of hay fever.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Measles warning to holidaymakers as outbreaks surge in major tourist hotspots
The UK Health Security Agency has recorded outbreaks of the infectious disease in England, while also warning which countries in Europe and Asia have highest rates of measles A measles outbreak is seeing over 100 new confirmed cases a month mainly in young children. The UK Health Security Agency warns measles is surging in a host of popular holiday destinations abroad and Brits could bring infections home with them. In Europe outbreaks are being recorded in countries including France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Romania. Globally countries with the highest rates of measles are Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria. Measles causes a fever and itchy spots but in rare cases can lead to death or disabilities such as blindness, deafness and lifelong thinking problems caused by dangerous swelling of the brain. Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK. 'Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday.' Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. Each infected person can pass the disease onto around 15 other unvaccinated people. Latest UKHSA data shows 109 confirmed measles cases in England in April and so far 86 have been recorded for May - however there is usually a data recording lag from infection and symptoms starting so health chiefs say this latest monthly total is likely to go up. So far in 2025 there have been 420 laboratory confirmed measles cases with two thirds being in children under 10. The real number of cases is thought to be much higher. It comes after 2024 saw the biggest measles outbreak in Britain for decades and one death and the UKHSA warns cases could increase sharply again this summer. Coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine started to decline following a 1998 report by Andrew Wakefield which falsely linked the jab with autism. Even though the claim was discredited, and Wakefield struck off the medical register, the vaccination programme took years to recover. Now MMR vaccine coverage is the lowest it has been for more than a decade, with around 83.9% of youngsters having the jab. The World Health Organisation says 95% should have both doses to maintain herd immunity. Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: 'Tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations were delivered following NHS action last year to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella, and the recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected. 'Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child's vaccination.' The NHS says measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first symptoms of measles include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough as well as red, sore, watery eyes. The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around three years and four months old. Around 99% of those who have two doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe. Dr Saliba added: 'The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of one and some people who have weakened immune systems can't have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them. 'It is never too late to catch up, if you're not sure if any of your family are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Don't put it off and regret it later.' The UKHSA says anyone who has not had two doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch-up. Click HERE for more information on the MMR vaccine from the UKHSA.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Aldi launches pretty £3 plant that flowers every week until September and turns your garden into a bee-friendly paradise
ALDI is launching a blooming great bargain just in time for summer – Butterfly Lavender for only £3.79 each, in shades of purple, pink and white. Available in stores across the UK, including in places like Manchester Leeds and Birmingham, from Thursday 12 June. 2 Not only will it brighten up your garden, but it'll also fill the air with a sweet scent for months and attract buzzing bees. Butterfly Lavender, also known as French Lavender, is loved for its frilly blooms and aromatic leaves. It flowers from late spring right through summer and even into autumn if looked after properly. It will go dormant in winter, and return bigger and bushier next year if maintained properly. How to care for lavender To get the most out of your lavender, plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Once it's settled in, it won't need much watering – in fact, it prefers to stay on the dry side. French lavender typically flowers from late spring into early autumn, with a peak bloom period between May and September. Some varieties, like Lavandula stoechas 'Papillon' and 'Tiara', are known for their continuous flowering from late spring to early autumn. After French lavender flowers, you should trim the spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and keep the plant compact. Aldi is selling a cheap $4.49 item that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise You can also prune the plant back in late summer or early spring to rejuvenate it and prevent it from becoming woody. French lavender is a versatile herb with various culinary and creative applications. Beyond its beautiful scent and visual appeal, it can be used for baking, creating bath products, making essential oils, and even crafting home decor items like sachets or potpourri. And Aldi's plant is a bargain! A quick check at B&Q shows similar lavender plants starting at £12. The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive. Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why "bees are brilliant". "They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees." Lavender Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it's a big hit with bees - especially bumble bees. Sunflowers This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big 'flowers' are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators. Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year. Heather These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees. Cornflowers A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies. They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike. Crocuses (and snowdrops) Later this summer, when you're starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops. They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation. Over at Waitrose Garden and Hillier, prices range from £7.99 to £13.99, depending on the size and variety. This is the latest in a string of green-fingered savings from ALDI. Earlier this month, rival Lidl launched a range of garden plants starting from just £1.99, undercutting pricier garden centres and online sellers. 2
