Woman finds huge 'lost' Chilean tarantula running loose in Walthamstow garden

A shocked woman found a huge Chilean tarantula spider scuttling across her garden after it “got lost” in east London.

The woman managed to trap the eight-legged creature beneath a bucket after making the surprising discovery at Chatham Road in Walthamstow.

RSPCA animal collection officer David Eckworth went to collect the spider after it was discovered at Saturday lunchtime.

It was later identified as a Chilean rose tarantula which can grow to a leg-span of 6ins.

Mr Eckworth said: “I think the woman had quite a fright when she spotted the tarantula running across her lawn.”

He added: “This spider is most likely a pet who has escaped from a home nearby and got a little lost in the gardens of Walthamstow.”

The spider is currently being looked after at a specialist exotic animal centre.

If you recognise the tarantula, call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.