Woman Dead And Man Hurt After Wasp Attack

A woman has died and a man has been injured after they were attacked by a swarm of wasps.

The woman, who was in her 70s and named locally as Janette Duncan, suffered a heart attack following the incident and was taken to hospital, where she later lost her life.

The unnamed man, who was also treated at the same hospital, suffered minor wasp stings in Galleywood, near Chelmsford, Essex.

The attack happened as the pair went for a drink in the Galleywood Social Club around lunchtime on Sunday.

It is understood a passer-by accidentally disturbed the hedge that the wasps nest was in.

Local residents said the pensioner's family were distraught and in shock. They have been asked to be left alone while they come to terms with their loss.

One woman said: "I didn't see the attack itself but I heard it was a large swarm.

"At first they seemed OK but then we suddenly realised she was getting worse and a neighbour called the ambulance.

"It's come as a bolt from the blue and we all feel for the family."

An ambulance spokeswoman said: "It appears that the cardiac arrest was caused by the attack.

"We took her to Broomfield Hospital by land ambulance with air ambulance medics escorting.

"The man, whose age is not available, was also taken to Broomfield Hospital by land ambulance, suffering minor wasp stings."

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We can confirm that at 1.15pm on Sunday we received a report that a man and woman had been stung by wasps and the woman had collapsed.

"She was taken to hospital but sadly died. The matter is now in the hands of the Essex Coroner and it is expected that an inquest will be held into the woman's death."