A British soldier's family have been scared out of their own home by a dangerous spider who bit their pet dog to death.

The Griffiths are fighting the war at home against the giant arachnid, who was unwittingly transported back from Afghanistan in paratrooper Rodney's luggage.

They have already lost their beloved eight-year-old dog, Bella, to the camel spider. The family pet had to be put down after being bitten by the venomous attacker.

Lorraine Griffiths and her three children, aged 18, 16 and four, have been forced to leave their family home in Colchester, Essex.

They are now refusing to return to the property until the killer spider is captured by the RSPCA.

Found in desert regions, camel spiders can grow up to 6 inches and reach speeds of up to 10 mph, making them devils to catch.

Lorraine Griffiths believes the spider hitched a ride into the U.K. in the personal belongings of her husband.

Rodney, 32, came home from duty in Helmand in June.

He has since returned for a further tour of duty in Afghanistan.