A caterpillar infestation at a Bradford park is to be left alone for nature to take its course.

Residents living near the park in Shipley Fields Road, Frizinghall, said the grey moth larvae covering the trees were like something out of a horror film.

The caterpillars stripped leaves and bark from trees and left sticky cobwebs in their wake.

The outbreak of the unsightly creatures is thought to have been helped by the recent spell of warm weather.

One Telegraph & Argus reader said he feared the creatures were stinging oak processionary moth caterpillars, which have been found in other parts of the country and can pose health risks.

But Dennis Shipway, Bradford Council’s pest control manager, said the caterpillars were ermine moth larvae and not harmful to humans.

He said: “We are going to let nature run its course because the ermine moth larvae is harmless.

“If we were to spray insecticide it could damage the environment more and pose a risk to residents.”

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A

>