Caterpillars branded a "danger" to humans and animals have been spotted above a popular walking and playing area.

The pests are part of the oak processionary moths family and their hairs can cause animals distress and people to have breathing difficulties.

They have now been seen in Carpenders Park, by the cemetery roughly 40ft up a tree, but the hairs can easily blow off into range of kids and pets.

Watford Observer: Oak processionary moths (circled) have been spotted in Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery. Picture: Terry RushOak processionary moths (circled) have been spotted in Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery. Picture: Terry Rush

It comes after they were also discovered in Chorleywood Common with the parish council urging people to be wary.

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Terry Rush, whose garden backs on to the cemetery, said: "I want to make people aware it is not only in Chorleywood.

“The park is used regularly by people walking their dogs and kids playing.”

Pets should be taken to the vets if they come into contact with the insects and people should call 111 if symptoms persist.

If you spot a nest elsewhere, you can report it to Tree Alert by visiting https://treealert.forestresearch.gov.uk/.

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