POISONOUS hairy caterpillars have reared their ugly little heads in Frinton again, making life a misery for tourists and residents.

Swarms of the brown tail moth caterpillar have been seen near the seafront and beach huts - and council bosses admit they are powerless to act.

Victims can develop nasty rashes if the bugs come into contact with the skin.

The caterpillars can also cause breathing difficulties and eye problems.

Not everyone is affected but some can need emergency hospital treatment if they suffer an allergic reaction.

Council pest controllers tried to exterminate as many of the poisonous beasties as possible by using flame-throwers on their nests.

The insects build silk webs in trees to hibernate in over the winter.

Tendring Council says the recent warm weather has brought the caterpillars out of hiding.

Horticultiural manager Trevor Mills said: “Work was carried out to burn as many nests as possible but it was impossible to eradicate all nests and now that those that remained are out of their nests there is little that can be done."

Caterpillar rashes are very irritable and can last up to three days. Victims are urged not to scratch them.

The creatures have distinctive dotted white lines down each side of their brown body and two red dots on the back of their tail. They grow up to 4cm long.