AN Evesham woman was stunned when she came across a giant deadly spider while walking across the road in Evesham.

Karen Perrett of Windsor Road was walking home from work at the Cotswold Provisions yesterday at 4pm when she spotted the spider in Briar Close industrial estate.

Mrs Perrett said: "I just saw it walking across the grass and then slowly walk across the road. I just thought that's a tarantula, that is. I knew straight away as I've seen them in books and on television."

The Mexican Red Kneed Tarantula, six inches long in length, usually found in south America was hidden under ivy along Briar Close and watched while passers by marvelled at her.

Passers-by, schoolgirl Katie Roger, 12 from St Egwins Middle school said: "I was just walking across when I saw this big black thing walk across the road. I knew immediately it was a tarantula by the size of the thing, it's massive."

Mother and daughter, Lisa and Danielle Niblett of Shepherd's Pool, Evesham were also witnesses to the rare female spider.

"I've never seen a spider like that big before it was really large, mum knew it was a tarantula. I didn't think those sort of spiders lived in this country, it's quite a scary thought," said Danielle, aged 10.

Concerned for the safety of others, Mrs Perrett immediately called the Vale Wildlife Rescue Centre in Beckford.

Lynn Edwards, Vale rescue worker said: "We didn't think it would really be a tarantula. Some people see a big household spider and mistake it for a tarantula but she's the real thing.

"She would probably have died out here, she's definitely someone's pet, the temperature in this country is far too cold for a spider like her to survive in cold weather, " she added.

Miss Edwards said the red kneed spider who can be found in rain forests in south America.

The two rescue workers captured the creature in a plastic box and have taken it to the centre at Beckford where they will look after it until she's claimed.

Vale rescue worker Rowan Newbury: "It's too hard to say how old she is at this stage but I can tell you this she is absolutely petrified at the moment.