Horror as British dad dies after being bitten by pet spider

A British man from Merseyside has tragically died after being bitten by his pet spider after three weeks of owning the venomous pet.

Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, from Prescot ordered the spider online three weeks before the fatal incident. Kayleigh Gill, Mark's ex-partner of 16 years, expressed that he grew an obsession with spiders while living alone.

The father of two began experiencing flu-like symptoms while on holiday after one of the spiders bit him. He complained that he was feeling ill, experiencing temperature changes from extreme heat to cold, and having limb aches.

He later rang Kayleigh's sister, who lives on the same street as him, complaining that he was unable to breathe properly.

After she went round to his home, she called 999 just before Mark collapsed.

Despite running to his aid and paramedics rushing to the scene, Mark tragically died.

Kayleigh told the Liverpool Echo: "He was funny, caring, outgoing, and such a people person. He was a brilliant dad to our two children and was always the life and soul of the party.

"He had bought five spiders online two or three weeks before and was obsessed with them.

"I think he bought them because he lived alone but he was always terrified of insects when we were together. Even though we had split up, we were best friends. He put our children first."

She said Mark had told her about the bite and had not gone to the hospital, despite Kayleigh's orders.

She added that owning the spiders should require licenses.

Mark leaves behind his 18-year-old son, Nathan-Mark, and 17-year-old daughter, Kimmy-Louise.