Caterpillar warning for West London
LARVAE HAVE BEEN SPOTTED EMERGING FROM EGG PLAQUES
HEATH warnings have been issued following an outbreak of toxic caterpillars in London which can cause skin rashes, vomiting and asthma attacks.
The larvae, or caterpillars, of the oak processionary moth (OPM) are armed with fine hairs which have the ability to cause fevers and throat irritations, according to the Forestry Commission.
Sightings of OPM caterpillars have been reported in large numbers across London and the south-east and people have been urged to avoid coming into direct contact with the species.
The biggest infestations of OPM were recorded in Greater London, with Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Richmond and Hammersmith & Fulham all affected.
Writing on the Forestry Commission’s website, a health official said: “OPM caterpillars were spotted emerging from egg plaques in mid-April. We began treating trees in the Protected Zone with an approved biopesticide during the week beginning April 23. The treatment programme is expected to continue until late May or early June. After that the caterpillars will be too large to be affected by our preferred treatment product.”
Health precautions
People in the affected areas can take these precautions to minimise the health risks.
■ Do not touch or approach nests or caterpillars
■ Do not let children touch or approach nests or caterpillars ■ Do not let animals touch or approach nests or caterpillars ■ Do not try removing nests or caterpillars yourself
How to identify the caterpillars ■ Move about in nose-to-tail processions
■ Often form arrow-headed processions, with one leader and subsequent rows containing several caterpillars abreast
■ Are most likely to be found in oak trees, and sometimes on the ground under oak trees
■ Are most likely to be seen in late spring and early summer
■ Have very long, white hairs which contrast markedly with other, shorter hairs
■ Do not live on fences, walls and similar structures, as some caterpillar species do A 50-YEAR-OLD woman and 24-yearold woman have been arrested after police were called to reports of a “suspicious item” in Hayes on Monday afternoon (April 30).
Part of Uxbridge Road was placed in lockdown shortly after 1pm as police attended an address in nearby Addison Way.
Explosives officers assessed the “suspicious item” and “made it safe” while surrounding roads were closed.
Uxbridge Road was reopened between Coldharbour Lane and Church Road at around 3pm, but Addison Way stayed shut as police remained at the scene.
Metropolitan Police confirmed the item had been sent for “forensic investigation”. There were no reported injuries in the incident.
A Met spokesman said: “Police were called at 1.06pm on Monday to reports of a suspicious item at an address in Addison Way, Hayes.
“Officers attended and the road was closed off. Explosives officers attended and made the item safe.
“The item has been sent for forensic examination.”
They added: “Two women, aged 51 and 24, were arrested at the scene under the Explosive Substance Act.
“They have been taken to a west London police station where they remain in custody.
“Officers are open minded regarding a motive for the incident and enquiries continue.”
Detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have been informed as is routine but the incident is not believed to be terrorist-related.