A pest controller, who believed he had found a nest-full of ‘murder hornets’ in a village near Dereham has been proven wrong after Defra experts confirmed they were a common breed found in the UK.
Mark Bowgen, from Taverham, found the nest of what he believed were Asian Giant Hornets at a house in North Tuddenham last week.
Defra experts have now confirmed the insects are in fact European hornets.
Mr Bowgen said he was shocked to have discovered the nest at the home of a 90-year-old woman, as he was “almost certain” they were Asian Giant Hornets after 17 years in the pest control industry.
The Asian Giant Hornet – nicknamed the ‘murder hornet’ – has never been reported in the UK, but kills around 20 people a year in Japan and China due to its powerful sting.