Hampton left shell shocked by crab invasion (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Hampton left shell shocked by crab invasion

1:55pm Tuesday 24th July 2007 in

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Hampton residents felt the pinch of flooding with some unexpected visitors - Chinese mitten crabs.

According to the Environment Agency, the crab, an invasive species from the Far East, has been popping up in peoples' homes thanks to the rising water levels.

The Government agency was today issuing warnings to residents to keep toilet seats down to prevent the beasts from visiting.

It admitted it had received a number of calls from worried residents who had been shocked to see the crabs crawling up the u-bend.

But according to experts at the Natural History Museum Chinese mitten crabs, named because its large claws covered in soft bristles resemble mittens, are not dangerous.

However, they can cause problems to river banks thanks to their burrowing and may threaten local habitats.

• To learn more about the Chinese mitten crab click here. Have the crabs invaded your home? Click here to share your pictures or use the comment feature below. And for more on the floods click here.