'Murder hornets' in Washington state threaten bees and whip up media swarm

Asian giant hornet, which became more active in the state in April, is the world's largest and can kill humans with multiple stings

• Alarm over deaths of bees from rapidly spreading viral disease

Researchers and citizens in Washington state are on a careful hunt for invasive murder hornets", after the insect made its first appearance in the US.

The Asian giant hornet is the world's largest and can kill humans. But it is most dangerous for the European honeybee, which is defenseless in the face of the hornet's spiky mandibles, long stinger and potent venom.