An attempt has been made to remove a huge swarm of bees from the top of a town centre bin.

The bustling swarm of bees were pictured by Twitter user @gilmaragarcia at the bottom of Gabriel’s Hill in the centre of Maidstone yesterday afternoon. The frightening sight was witnessed by many passers by.

It is believed that Maidstone Borough Council were aware of the bees, and police had cordoned off the area to avoid any disturbances which may cause the swarm to panic. It is thought that the bees were placed on top of the bin by a pest control company whilst they were waiting for collection by beekeepers.

Ameture beekeeper, William Lay, was one of those responsible for the sting operation to remove the bees. They intended to move them to the top of Fremlin Walk as they had done with a different swarm the day before.

Despite being at work all day, Mr Lay ensured the bees were moved to safety. He explained that the swarming bees may be caused by the recent hot weather.

My Lay said: “It’s just that time of year, they’re hot and bothered, they’re filling up their hives, so their natural response to getting too hot and numerous is to just swarm.”

Whilst explaining the process of moving the bees, he said: “They are very docile, so it doesn’t take much. It’s just trying to get them together in one swarm.

“Someone has already put a lure in there earlier in the day so we are just going to try and tip all of that in to a box.”

The bees were removed to Fremlin walk later in the evening, leaving nothing but a buzz throughout the community.