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A deadly Australian redback spider - that can kill a human with one bite - has been found in a back garden in KENT.

The venomous creature is one of the few spiders that can be seriously harmful to humans and displays sexual cannibalism while mating.

One reportedly killed dad-of-five John Francis Kennedy in September this year in Ireland after a bite led to his stomach and testicles swelling.

The redback spider, which is related to the even-more-deadly black widow, were responsible for at least 14 deaths in Australia before the introduction of antivenom.

Now in safe custody with animal expert Wayne May at the Artisan Rare Breeds Centre, the creature was spotted in Dartford, in Kent.

Sometimes known as the 'toilet spider', redbacks can be commonly found living under toilet seats.

Mr May was contacted by a female dog walker who discovered the spider on a fence close to the Dartford Crossing.

He says he went to collect it after a hazy picture confirmed his suspicions it was an Australian redback.

The creature will now be taken to Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury, in Kent.

Mr May, 43, said: "I was surprised because they can't survive in this climate, it is quite incredible.

"I read about them a few weeks ago, I phoned the police because it is quite toxic and potentially very dangerous. It's only the second time I've called officers."

Although the spider did not use any venom, the creature did frighten Mr May's mother Maureen.

He added: "She doesn't like spiders, she breaks out in a cold sweat when she looks at them."

The rare breeds centre specialises in the conservation of endangered livestock and poultry.

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