BEEKEEPERS are being told to be vigilant following a confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet in New Milton.

The invader insect, which preys on honey bees, was reported by a member of the public and confirmed by the National Bee Unit.

The hornet is believed to be a queen.

Monitoring is under way to detect any other Asian hornets or any nests in the vicinity.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than a bee.

"However, they do pose a risk to honey bees This is the first confirmed sighting since October 2018, when a nest of hornets was discovered and destroyed in Brockenhurst.

Nicola Spence, Defra's deputy director for plant and bee health, said: "By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

"That’s why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests in the New Milton area following this confirmed sighting.

"While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.

"Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets, and if you think you’ve spotted one report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online."

Anyone who suspects they have seen an Asian hornet can report it using the app Asian Hornet Watch. Alternatively, email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Please include a photograph.