The latest hotspots of Japanese knotweed in Suffolk have been revealed. 

Japanese knotweed can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species. 

Experts have said that this invasive species is currently thriving ahead of its usual growing period due to warmer and wetter weather this winter. 

Data from Environet shows which areas are currently having a break out of the species. 

Ipswich has 54 occurrences within 4km of the north of the town, with it being 57 occurrences earlier in the year. 

Twenty-six cases were reported in Lowestoft, while 20 were detected in Stowmarket. 

There are seven occurrences within 4km in Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds. 

In Haverhill there are eight occurrences within 4km. 

Daniel Docking, Property Care Association invasive weed control group technical manager, said: "We expect the temperature to drop, meaning many plants will slow down their growth pattern. 

"However, Japanese knotweed will be largely unaffected by these changes and that means it can start to dominate environments, with more opportunities to spread."