Identifying Insect

[muskox]

Saw a huge long insect, about 4 cms long, with the appearance of a bee and not as skinny as a wasp. A distinguishing feature of the insect was that it had a bright orange furry bottom. It flew in to my house and I managed to get it outside again. I know what bees look like and it was not like any bees that I have ever seen. It was much bigger than a normal queen bee. Any ideas what it could be?

[Buenchico]

It sounds like some type of hornet to me.

[Sam1960]

Have you tried looking at a website called uk safari ? You might see a picture of what it is you're trying to identify in there.
Good luck

[Prudie]

Have a look at queen red-tailed bumblebee - although 4 cms is ginormous

[Mick-the-Miller]

What's 4cm in old money - say just over an inch and a half? That's pretty big for a bumblebee - maybe it was the Queen!

[Prudie]

Yes most hornets look like wasps, not furry like bees

[muskox]

Yes, the red-tailed bumblebee it was, although it was a huge version. I wish my camera had been working!
Thank you all for your sensible suggestions.