A SCHOOL in Northampton has been evacuated after a false widow spider was spotted.

       Around 1,300 students were sent home from Malcolm Arnold Academy this morning after the creepy crawly sighting at around 11am.

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       Pupils were evacuated from the Malcolm Arnold Academy after the spider sighting Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 2

       The school previously had an infestation of false widows back in 2018 and said they sent students home as a precaution Credit: Alamy

       The school reassured parents they were "simply acting with caution" and said they called in pest control to sweep classrooms.

       But it is not the first time the school have had a spider scare - as a large false widow infestation was discovered in the technology centre department in October 2018.

       False widow spiders are often confused with the more dangerous black widow species.

       Although they do bite, false widows rarely attack humans.

       According to the Wildlife Trust, it administers a similar pain to a wasp's sting.

       The eight-legged guests are also often seen in homes at this time of year.

       The Malcolm Arnold Academy sent out a message to parents detailing the insect incident.

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       "We have today found a false widow spider in school," the message read."Some of you may remember this has happened in the past.

       "Pest control are on their way and the area is isolated, but to be cautious we would recommend that your child is collected as soon as you are able for years 8, 9 and 10.

       "Year 12 and 13 will be dismissed with consent.

       "We will keep year 7 in school in a separate building away from the spider sighting.

       "Please be reassured that there is no cause for concern, we are simply acting with caution to ensure that pest control can eliminate the risk ready for full return on Monday."

       Staff were "very efficient and organised" during the evacuation, Northants Live reported, and Year 7 pupils were also later sent home.

       WHAT IS A FALSE WIDOW SPIDER AND HOW DANGEROUS ARE THEY?

       False widow spiders are often confused for black widows, meaning they are often mistakenly presumed to be dangerous.

       The species can grow up to 11 millimetres in length and they are usually spotted in the UK skulking around kitchens and conservatories.

       They are considered one of the most common species of spiders in some parts of the UK and Ireland.

       They spin strategic tangled webs that they usually suspend at least 1.5 metres off the ground to try and catch flying insects.

       The front section of their body and their legs are dark brown whereas their abdomen presents a range of patterns.

       The intricate cream and brown design is often described as resembling a skull - which somewhat heightens the fear of them.

       But false widows are relatively harmless to humans and rarely attack.

       Although they are understood to have a venomous bite, it is not particularly potent.

       According to the Wildlife Trust, their bite feels similar to a wasp sting.