Tower Hamlets has been identified as London's number one hotspot for Japanese knotweed.

The invasive plant, known for its rapid and aggressive growth, can cause damage to homes and potentially impact property values.

With the growing season now over, specialist Environet has released a list of the most affected areas in the capital, with Tower Hamlets, alongside Haringey and Wandsworth, being the most impacted boroughs.

Environet’s data reveals that Tower Hamlets recorded 300 sightings of Japanese knotweed so far this year.

(Image: Environet)

Other boroughs such as Haringey and Wandsworth reported 241 and 210 sightings respectively.

London as a whole has around 3,566 recorded cases of Japanese knotweed, according to researchers, translating to 2.29 occurrences for every square kilometre.

Greater London stands as the third most affected area in England, following Bristol and Merseyside.

The three areas in Tower Hamlets most affected are Whitechapel, with 102 sightings, Spitalfields with 100, and Stepney with 86.

Emily Grant, director of Environet, cautioned prospective buyers and sellers in affected areas to be vigilant for signs of Japanese knotweed.

She said, "Knotweed is easily identifiable during summer, but it’s perennial so as we head through the autumn and into winter, the above-ground growth dies back and it becomes much harder to spot.

"The best way to protect your property is to be aware of the risks and ensure you can identify knotweed at different times of the year.

"If you do have knotweed on your property, it’s wise to act immediately to treat or remove it before it has the chance to spread further.

"With professional assistance, knotweed can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored.

"If you’re buying or selling a property, consider instructing a Japanese knotweed survey to check for any sign of the plant on the property and its surroundings."