Exotic feathered invaders have been spotted in West Ewell.

A woman who has lived in the village for the past two years saw five parakeets there for the first time two weeks ago.

She said: "I couldn’t believe it - I don’t see parakeets very often.

"They looked healthy and bright - they all just flew into a tree over the road.

"They are beautiful."

The parakeets originate from Africa and Asia and it is believed they started breeding wild in London in the 1950s.

One theory is that a flock of parakeets escaped from Shepperton Studios in Surrey from the set of the African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn.

Since then they have multiplied and spread, with huge flocks reported in places such as Chessington and Esher.

Epsom Guardian’s nature expert, Tony Drakeford, said: "They are probably rose-ringed parakeets.

"They are spreading all over the place - although they are very beautiful they are a real nuisance.

"You either love them or hate them."

He said parakeets take over the nest holes of other birds, they eat a lot of fruit and the noise they make a frightful noise.

Mr Drakeford added: "They are totally out of place if they are in Epsom - they are probably spreading around now.

"I am not a fan I must admit."

Have you seen any parakeets in the borough? Send your sightings and pictures to ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk.