There are reports that a huge swarm of wasps is plaguing Romford town centre this afternoon.
According to resident Reece Farrow-Mansary “millions” of the black and yellow flying beasts have been sending people running for cover in Western Road.
He added: “People are running through the street with umbrellas trying to avoid the wasps!”
Havering Council confirmed it had received a number of phone calls about bees rather than wasps in the town but a spokesman said dealing with them fell outside its remit.
However, the spokesman added that the Essex Beekeeping Society was sending someone to investigate.
The reports come on the back of news that a swarm of bees was scaring shoppers and commuters near Victoria station this morning.
The band of insects - rumoured to be tens of thousands strong - was hovering outside Topshop and Monsoon in Victoria Street,
Gavin Dollin tweeted: “The bees in Victoria St, London really seem to love TopShops new offers!”
The plague appeared around 9am and a picture of beekeepers attending the scene was tweeted at 10.20am.
Witnesses said that shopowners in the area shut their doors and commuters stayed indoors until the swarm moved on. In Topshop, shoppers were led through the back door to escape the bees.
Did you see the wasps/bees in Romford or get any pictures? Email jane.ball@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3878
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here