Locals in a picturesque seaside town are fearing for their homes after the UK's most 'aggressive, destructive and invasive' plant was discovered along the waterfront.
Japanese knotweed was found by a resident spreading along the stunning Hoe seafront in Plymouth, as homeowners nearby are now fearing that the invasive species will leave their properties worthless.
The plant - described by the Environment Agency as 'indisputably the UK's most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant' - can grow through concrete and is almost impossible to remove.
It was discovered along the cliff edge by local resident Martin Moore, who spotted what he described as an 'extensive area of Japanese knotweed' flourishing on the Hoe in a zone of 'outstanding natural beauty next to the Corinthian cafe'.
Mr Moore told Plymouth Live: 'It is a prolific invasive species and takes over the natural habitat as it's doing at the Hoe, it is spreading to the other side of the bushes.'
