The world's largest venomous spider has been found in East Yorkshire after sneaking onto a shipping container heading to the region from the Far East.
The spider, which is a native species in Australia, made the 5,000-mile journey to Hull stowed away in a container that originated in China.
The Huntsman Spider is not deadly to humans and rarely bites, but they can cause symptoms including headaches, vomiting and heart-palpitations if they do.
Staff are said to have been shocked by the 12in-legged spider when it appeared from the container, the Metro reports.
Officers from the RSPCA were called in and they eventually captured the creature.
An RSPCA spokesman said: "He fancied a holiday so he hopped on a shipping container in China and ended up in Hull.
"He gave staff quite a fright. He’s now having some R&R at a specialist rescue centre."
It isn’t the first time the UK has encountered some fearsome spiders. Last year saw a surge in the number of false widow spiders both here and in Ireland.
False widows are unlikely to bite humans unless provoked or agitated, but they can trigger serious symptoms, ranging from numbness, severe swelling and discomfort, to burning sensations and chest pains.
A student and football coach almost died after they were bitten by false widow spiders, while another woman was hospitalised three times after she was bitten on the toilet.
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