A WOMAN called 999 and asked for the fire service after she discovered a large spider in her house in the early hours of the morning.

The 999 emergency operator received a call from the woman in Chichester at 1am this morning.

The call-taker talked the woman down and instead advised her to call the RSPCA.

The species of spider is currently unknown.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service reminded residents to only use 999 for real emergencies.