Alien killer slug slithering round gardens in the UK

Bill Symondson, an ecologist at Cardiff University, said: ‘The lack of eyes and body colour could indicate the species evolved in a cave system.

‘It was probably introduced to Britain in plant pots, making it an ‘alien’ species, although we can’t be certain. We’re concerned that it might become a  pest, but we need to find out more about it first.’

Gardeners and garden centres are being urged to to inspect plants and pots to stop the slugs escaping and breeding. There are fears it could hit the eco-system because it feeds on earthworms, which are vital for the well-being of soil.

A spokeswoman for the National Museum in Cardiff said it’s a mystery how the slug got to Britain.