Ticks carrying the debilitating Lyme disease have been found in London's Richmond Park, according to university scientists.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine warned visitors to exercise caution in order to avoid contracting the bacterial infection, which can be passed on to humans via bites from the parasites.
More than 1,000 "Ixodes ricinus" ticks were discovered in Richmond Park, a popular 955 hectare green space in south-west London. Around half of them were immature ticks known as nymphs, which researchers said had around a one in 50 chance of being infected.
Senior Lecturer in Medical Entomology Dr James Logan, the senior author of the study, said: “The overall risk of Lyme disease in London parks is very low, but precautions should be taken.
"Check yourself and your pets after frequenting parkland areas, and remove any ticks as quickly as possible using a tick removal tool. To minimise the risk stick to footpaths and wear an insect repellent.”
Several ticks capable of passing on Lyme disease were also found at nearby Bushy Park.
Wimbledon Common and the grounds of Hampton Court were studied but no evidence of the danger ticks were found. However study authors said their research was not conclusive because it only covered June and July 2013.
Early signs of Lyme disease include a distinctive circular “bull's-eye” rash at the site of the tick bite around three to 30 days after being bitten. Some also experience flu-like symptoms including tiredness, joint pain, headaches and chills as well as neck stiffness.
Lyme disease can progress to cause severe health problems affecting the heart, joints and nervous system.
A Royal Parks-published advice sheet on ticks can be found here.
