A HAMPSHIRE family called the RSPCA after mistaking a child's plastic toy for a giant spider.

In the mishap, the family from Alresford called the RSPCA who rushed to the address.

The family had originally told the RSPCA that a tarantula which was the size of a hand was in an upstairs cupboard.

RSPCA inspector Nikki Denham said: “She had left it in there not touching it and called us for assistance. I turned up with gloves and nets to confine the creature and the woman left me to it, shutting doors around me to prevent its escape.

“It was dark under the stairs but I could see legs behind a vacuum cleaner that certainly were tarantula size, however as I shone light in I could see that it was in fact a toy plastic tarantula.

“After telling the woman this it was presented to her young son who confirmed with an angelic innocent face that it was his.

“The poor caller was obviously embarrassed but it won't be the first or last call we’ll have like that I'm sure.”