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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.

(Image: Jean Haxaire/Defra/PA W)

The hornet arrived in France in 2004 and has become common across Europe since.

The species was found in Tetbury near Prince Charles' Highgrove Estate.

The sighting was confirmed by the National Bee Unit and is the first official discovery of the hornet in Britain.

Work is immediately underway to identify and destroy nests.

Specialist hornet-killing squads armed with cameras and pesticides have been sent to the area.

Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, said: "We have been anticipating the arrival of the Asian hornet for some years and have a well-established protocol in place to eradicate them and control any potential spread.

"It is important to remember they pose no greater risk to human health than a bee, though we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies.

"That's why we are taking swift and robust action to identify and destroy any nests.

"We remain vigilant across the country, working closely with the National Bee Unit and their nationwide network of bee inspectors."

Watch as a bee colony is removed from Rookwood Hospital: