NATURALISTS are bracing themselves for the worst after the carcass of one the most destructive species in the British countryside was found in Cleveland.

The muntjac deer, renowned for devastating wildflower populations, has been spreading through the country since it was brought over from China more than 100 years ago.

It has been established for many years in North Yorkshire and there has been growing evidence suggesting it has arrived in the Yarm and Great Ayton areas.

The doe's body was found beside the busy A177 road and was identified by Ian Bond, a countryside warden with Stockton Borough Council.

He said: "I am convinced that it is a road kill. There had been a lot of rumours suggesting that muntjac had arrived in Cleveland, but as far as I know, this is the first concrete evidence.

"If what people say about its impact on bluebells - that it goes through them like a hoover - is true, this find has to be seen as bad news.

"The discovery of this body suggests that there will be other muntjac in the area."

There have also been unconfirmed sightings in County Durham and several have been killed on roads in north Northumberland.

The deer were introduced as an ornamental species to live in deer parks, but soon escaped.

They will eat almost any vegetation, cropping it close to the ground, and can clear areas completely, one of the reasons they are seen as bad for areas such as bluebell woods.