A sixth school has closed following an outbreak of false widow spiders across Newham.

Newham Recorder: Monega Primary School in Manor Park. Pic: GOOGLEMonega Primary School in Manor Park. Pic: GOOGLE (Image: Archant)

Monega Primary School in Monega Road, Manor Park, announced it is dealing with an infestation of the arachnid.

A statement on its website says: “The school is currently closed due to a spider infestation which is being dealt with by the environmental team”.

Two other primary schools - Ellen Wilkinson in Beckton and Star in Star Lane - and two secondary schools - Rokeby, Canning Town, and Lister in Plaistow - already announced closures while the eight-legged invasion is treated.

Earlham Primary in Forest Gate was declared spider free. A statement on its website reads: “Earlham is open as normal. The school does not have a spider infestation”.

A Newham Council spokeswoman said earleir this week: “The schools are being treated and fumigated and we are working with them to ensure that children can continue to receive an education whilst their school is closed.

“Pupils are being set work via the schools and will remain in contact with schools.

“We are asking all our schools and nurseries to proactively check their premises carefully for these spiders and if they see any signs, then contact environmental health or pest control as well as notifying the council.”