Shocked visitors say a “disgusting” caterpillar infestation that has invaded a city park – stripping trees bare – is like something from a horror movie.

Experts say it is impossible to rule out the possibility that the grey moth larvae could spread, casting its destructive sticky webs.

Pest controllers are trying to identify what type of larvae it is, but it is widely known that some types of larvae are totally immune to pesticides and sprays.

Leaves on blossom trees surrounding a park in Shipley Fields Road at Frizinghall have been stripped and the bark eaten away by thousands of the creatures.

Horrified families are boycotting the spot because the squirming sight makes them feel sick.

One of those staying well away is driving instructor Abdul Rehman, 58, whose family live nearby.

He said: “It’s a fright to look at. It’s been invaded by these creatures, they are disgusting and are everywhere. They’ve stripped the trees bare.

“Giant cobwebs are all over the place, it’s like something out of a horror film. It’s disgusting. I won’t go anywhere near it now and I’ve told others to stay away. It’s making people feel sick just seeing it.”

Bradford Council’s pest control manager Dennis Shipway said although the moth larvae looked pretty horrific, they were harmless to people.

“The recent prolonged period of warm weather created ideal temperatures for the larvae to grow, which explains why there is so much of it,” he said.

“We are looking to see if there is a pesticide that can be safely applied without causing harm to other animals and birds, which will eat the larvae. Letting nature take its course would last three to four weeks."

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