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People say this is why they always check their shopping. A giant huntsman spider has been discovered in a box of bananas at a school. The fearsome brown arachnid was found by shocked staff in Ramsey, near Huntingdon, Cambs.

The bananas had come from the Ivory Coast about 3,200 miles away. It is thought to be a Barylestis spp - a member of the Huntsman family. They are renowned for their speed and aggressiveness when attacking prey.

But Huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous to humans as their venom is mild. Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said: “ It's most likely a huntsman, likely a Barylestis spp. The bananas originated from the Ivory Coast.”

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Local Andy Pierce said: “This is why I'm always carefully checking bunches of bananas before popping them in my basket.”

Hazel Ross said: “Kill, kill, kill. I’m seriously scared.”

Catherine Fanning said: “I’m never eating bananas again.” Nicki Holloway said: “I must look like a crazy person checking all my fruit when shopping. This is why I will continue to do it.

“Looking crazy or not, my husband shakes his head and pretends he doesn't know me.”

Emma Richards said: “No. We need to stop having bananas.”