A SUMMER evening game of hide and seek almost ended in tragedy as a young boy suffered wasp stings after accidentally disturbing a nest.

Seven year old Rhys Robison of Ruskin Road, Skerton, was playing with friends near the River Lune last Sunday when he found himself under attack from the insects.

Lancaster Ambulance service rushed him to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

An ambulance service spokesman told the Citizen "We took a 7 year old male to the infirmary with multiple bee stings."

Ambulance services confirmed that the youngster received between 7 and 9 stings. Although he was distressed, the ambulance service confirmed that the brave youngster managed to retain consciousness throughout.

The ambulance crew had to give Rhys oxygen on the way to the hospital. The accident took place at around 8pm on a Sunday night. Rhys is now back at home with his family.

Council chiefs have now cleared the wasps nest, but health bosses are still warning other local people to be aware of the threat of wasp infestations this summer. Last year, over 838 nests had to be cleared, and this year's hot weather may bring even more of the unpleasant insects into the area. Experts say wasps favour building between walls and in undisturbed areas like lofts. Wasp stings can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which leads to illness and, in a few cases, even death.

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