A LARGE arachnid, believed to be the noble false widow species, has been spotted in Darwen.

The sighting coincides with reports of a surge in spider bites in the UK, which have in some cases caused severe side-effects.

A study by the international medical journal, Clinical Toxicology, says that bite victims have on occasion experienced similar symptoms to pure black widow spider bites and can require hospital admission.

Jason Waldron, who spotted the spider, said: "I found this beauty in my garage while having a clear out and I never expected to see such an unusual spider.

"I posted a picture of it on Facebook and had a few comments, most wanting to leave the country rather than come across such an insect!

"One comment was actually quite informative, though, apparently my eight-legged friend is the false widow species.

"It was about an inch across with a black and deep purple body. I've no idea where it came from."

These spiders originate from Madeira and the Canary Islands, and have the potential to become one of the world's most invasive species of spider.

The reasons behind the recent surge remain unclear, but scientists have ruled out climate change as a likely cause and suggested that a new genetic mutation within the species may have made noble false widows more adaptable to new environments.

With the increase in the spiders around homes, bites are becoming more prevalent and scientists are now beginning to realise the full medical importance of these spiders.

Envenomation symptoms can be both localised and systemic, ranging from mild to debilitating pain with mild to intense swelling.

Some victims have experienced tremors, reduced or elevated blood pressure, nausea and impaired mobility.

In rare instances, victims have developed minor wounds at the bite site or had to be treated for severe bacterial infections.