Swarms of the bloodsucking Blandford fly are set to hit the UK as the weather heats up.

The black fly is two to three millimetres long which lives near areas of water and has a painful bite.

It usually bites around the ankles and legs as it flies low to the ground and can leave painful swelling, blisters, a fever and red marks in its wake.

It is most common around June when hot weather comes in and can leave those bitten seriously ill.

The fly got its name after an outbreak of people around Blandford in Dorset were bitten in the 60s and 70s.

If you get bitten, you should clean the bite area and dry gently. Don't scratch the bite, as this can lead to infection.

You also shouldn't use antihistamine as they can sometimes cause skin reactions.

If bites are on the lower limbs, there may be swelling of the ankles and feet for several days. Don't worry about this, simply rest with your feet supported on a stool

You should seek medical advice if you have swelling or red lines in the groin or armpit, a fever, or spreading redness or hotness around the bite, which lasts longer than three days.