A dad-of-two has died after being bitten by a "venomous spider," his family has alleged.

Mark Anthony Kirby, 38, was pronounced dead on Saturday, August 2, with his ex-partner of 16-years, and mother to his children, Kayleigh Gill, claiming Mark had been bitten by one of his pet spiders he had bought online just weeks prior to his death.

Only days after his family say he was bitten by the spider did Mark take a trip with Kayleigh, her partner and sister for a one-night stay in Scotland, where she said he had complained of feeling unwell.

However, Kayleigh explained her ex-partner had still been "playing pranks" during a meal they had eaten at Toby Carvery, before they returned home to Prescot, Merseyside on July 26.

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