King crabs invade UK waters threatening native species

The species is native to North America, but was introduced to Russia in the 1960s and then travelled to Norway. Photograph: Trond H Trosdahl/Rex/Shutterstock

Invasive king crabs have made their way to British shores, sparking fears that local brown crab and scallop populations could be decimated.

This week, fishers in North Yorkshire found their pots heavy not with brown crab, but with the bright-red invader with long, spindly legs prized for their sweet flesh. London restaurants have already snapped up the haul, ready for weekend menus.