World's biggest spider discovered in UK after 5,000-mile journey from China

After it had survived a 5,000-mile trip in a shipping container, the world's largest spider has been discovered in the UK.

The spider can grow up to 12 inches in leg span, and ended up on UK shores after being accidentally shipped over from China.

Staff who unpackaged the giant arachnid were left shocked by their discovery, and wisely decided to run off.

While a bite from the spider is not deadly to humans, it can cause significant health ramifications such as heart palpitations, vomiting and headaches.

On Friday, the RSPCA captured the spider safely.

A spokesman for the animal welfare charity said: "Insp Boyd collected this Huntsman spider.

"He fancied a holiday so he hopped on a shipping container in China and ended up in Hull.

"He gave staff quite a fright.

"He's now having some R&R at a specialist rescue centre."

While the sight of a Huntsman spider is rare in the UK, it is not the first time it has made its way to the shores.

A warehouse in Southwold, Suffolk, made a similar discovery two years ago.

The RSPCA were promptly called in as the large arachnid was discovered in a container.

RSPCA inspector Jason Finch commented at the time: “Huntsman spiders can grow up to 30cm (12in) in leg span so are a large variety.

“This spider was on the smaller side and was only around 6cm (2.5in) from leg to leg.

“He'd obviously been in the container for some time, without access to food and water, but he was still active and seemed to be OK."