Watch out: Beetles about

Farmers were warned yesterday to be on the lookout for Colorado beetles, after scores of the insects were found on board a lorry at a British port. The discovery was made in a Greek-registered articulated lorry when it was opened up for the cargo of fresh produce, mainly potatoes, to be unloaded at Harwich, Essex.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "There is no danger to the public but it is believed that these beetles may be dangerous to crops." She said the beetles were the size of a thumbnail and had distinctive black and white stripes.

The lorry arrived at Dover on Saturday and was then driven to Harwich, where it remained in the lorry park overnight. The Ministry of Agriculture was dealing with the incident, police said.