Is this a False Widow spider?

[garycat]

Found in my garage

[digger the goat]

No... Its a giant black widow !!! Never seen one that big before.. Run....Think of the children !!

Or... http://www.uksafari.com/falsewidows.htm

[digger the goat]

Joking apart, it does look more like the 'original'.
There have been many reports recently of them coming in from the Americas.
They aren't always deadly, contrary to popular belief. If you are bitten and have underlying health problems, then yes.....they can be.

Best advice......next time you see either, KILL. Also report any findings to DEFRA.

[RB5Bird]

Kill it. Could be a real one if you are near any of the places that have had an outbreak. Odiham recently had an infestation after some were brought back in boxes from a detachment to America.

[garycat]

If I contact DEFRA will they tidy my garage for me

Seriously though, it does look more like a black widow without the red markings. Eeek.

[digger the goat]

The red markings are quite often on the underside only.

Brake cleaner and a lighter should work

I have forwarded this thread to some folks in the know