A freak plague of caterpillars has infested a tree-lined road in Hampton.

The army of bird cherry ermine caterpillars began to spin spooky white web-like nests on the trees in Warfield Road three weeks ago and have now covered the pavements, walls and cars.

Although the caterpillars are not harmful to humans, the infestation, which is three inches deep in places, has caused concern among residents who have to pick the animals out their hair and clothes.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “The trees are completely infested. All the trees are dripping in this white chlorophyll web thing.

“We are picking the caterpillars out of our hair and the kids’ hair. It’s just not on.”

Trisha Mole, who lives in the road, said: “You cannot help but feel they are doing damage to the trees.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We all know that it is not harmful to us, it is just really unpleasant, really unpleasant.

“The council is more concerned about the caterpillars than the people.”

Richmond Council said there were no safe chemicals that could be used in a public area to permanently remove the caterpillars and said the caterpillar feeding stage lasted about four weeks.

A council spokesman said: “The caterpillars are totally harmless to humans, they only feast on the tree but the trees recover quite quickly once the caterpillars pupate and the adults start to fly.

“However, we are aware that they have caused the local residents distress and we are investigating what other methods could be used to remove them.”

Councillor Gareth Roberts had sympathy for the residents.

He said: “Unfortunately, owing to the advanced stage of the infestation, I’m advised by council officers that even if they were to use the treatments they have at their disposal they would have little effect.

“While I appreciate that this is probably of little immediate comfort I get the impression from officers that this is something of a freak occurrence and it is unlikely to recur next year, however I will ask our arboriculture team to monitor this street closely so they can act early in case it does.”