Bee population threatened by killer disease

Bee hives in south London have been devastated by a mystery disease that causes the sudden death of the queen.

With an estimated 400 hives, Croydon has been severely affected by the virus, which is rapidly sweeping across the capital.

Around 20 per cent of the borough's hives have been infected and beekeepers are extremely concerned.

Tom Kirsch, 69, from Purley, has lost four queen bees in the past month.

He said: "Bees are absolutely integral. They play a vital role in pollinating our gardens and fruit trees.

"I have been beekeeping since 1982 and this is the first time anything like this has happened."

Beekeepers are now trying to breed more queens that can be introduced into the affected hives but it is not yet known whether they will take to the new environment.

Even if this method does prove successful, the origins of the disease remain unknown and there is no cure.