unknown biter in essex garden

[Angeline B]

can anyone help, last 3 years in my garden my husband has been bitten on his forearms. itches like mad, and bite swells to size of tennis ball then swelling travels up arm, always needs anti biotics to clear up. my sister in law was also bitten last year same re-action. this weekend my four year old son was bitten on his ear and wrist friday night, by saturday 6pm his ear had swollen to nearly 4 times is usual size and same with his wrist.ended up in a&e anti biotics and steroid tablets anti inflamatories... all 3 have had bites before and never reacted this way..tree surgeons that worked in our garden last year said they had never been bitten like they had in my garden.. some bugs they had never seen before.!!! how on earth do I find out what this insect is in my garden.. sister in law thought it was a tiny black insect... adults actually felt the bite...would be very grateful for any info...never posted before so sorry if ive waffled on.

[the poacher]

Herefordshire is plagued at the moment by what is thought to be the Blandford fly smaller than the common house fly, also parts of Dorset.may be attracted by water, flies close to the ground,so most bites to the legs,quite sure it made me ill for a day,search Google and stay covered up and try not to scratch

[Angeline B]

ok thanks... A&e Doc asked if we had water feature so maybe he as thinking along those lines.