Experts have warned that swarms of deadly insects that claimed lives of six people in France may be heading to the South of England. The latest House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) report on invasive non-native species has issued the warning.

The British Beekeepers Association has not denied the claims, saying that it is possible that the Giant Asian Hornets are heading to the West Country from France.

Victims of their toxic sting can die because of anaphylactic shock and kidney failure. They are also known to hunt native honeybees and other pollinators. They decimate hives and causes trouble in honey and crop production.

It is believed that hornets are likely to enter Britain either through imported plants or by simply flying across the channel. However, as far as France is concerned for their entry, they made it possible through a consignment of Chinese pottery in late 2004.

At least 28 people succumbed to the toxic stings of Asian hornets in China last year. Of them, one was a mother and her son, who were caught in a deadly swarm.

They can be identified by their yellow feet. The hornets are up to 3cm in length and wield stringers are 6mm in length. The jaws of the hornets are so powerful that they can chew through regular protective bee suits. Their venom is so toxic that human flesh can dissolve after being sprayed upon. A National Geographic documentary has revealed that eye tissue begins to melt soon after the venom of hornets enters the eyes.

The British Beekeepers Association said that the hornets have not entered the UK ever before, but they can arrive soon. "The places it is most likely to be found are in southern parts of England (it may be able to cross the channel from France) or goods among which it could be accidentally imported, such as soil with imported pot plants, cut flowers, fruit and timber", it added.