A mosquito species that can transmit potentially lethal tropical diseases such as dengue and Zika virus is breeding in the UK for the first time, health officials have found.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today revealed the insects, known as Aedes aegypti, have been discovered at homes in east London.
Officials believe they landed in Britain 'accidentally' and suggested they may have hitchhiked from abroad in vehicles, bags or imported plants.
Aedes aegypti is native to Africa but has spread to a host of warmer climates in recent times including South East Asia, the Americas and Australia.
The discovery marks the fourth time the species has been detected in the UK, although it is the first time there has been evidence of it breeding here.
