A FAMILY has discovered what they think is Britain’s most venomous spider in their home.

The creature — the so-called false widow spider — has hit the headlines in recent months, causing terrible injuries to victims. But so far it has mainly been found in the south of the country.

Doreen and Gordon Airton and their son, Philip, live in Ribble Drive, Walmersley.

Philip, aged 33, said: “We discovered the spider climbing up on the inside of our living room window. There was no web, so it obviously hadn’t been there long.

“There’s been a lot in the news recently about fake widows being found in Kent and Surrey. But as far as I know, it’s the first time this has been seen as far up north as this.”

After putting the spider in a jam jar, Philip went on to the internet and discovered that it bore all the hallmarks of a fake widow.

And he’s remaining ultra-cautious to avoid any possible bites. “I’ve read about people who have had to go hospital after they were bitten.” The spider is now being kept in a container for the time being.

l The spider has invaded parts of London and their appearance on is being put down to climate change.

Wildlife experts say the false widow spiders, which have been in the UK since the 1870s, can deliver a non life-threatening but painful bite which can cause swelling.

They will only attack if threatened.

Such spiders are distinctive by their shiny, black body and pale abdomen markings.