Strange red bug thing

[deleriumal]

Hi I am new and relatively new to gardening. I am trying to establish a fruit and veg growing mentality in my whole family and we have been doing alright up to now.

I have what looks like an infestation on my blackcurrants. As they are still relatively new there are no fruit to speak of but there is a thin red/orange flying bug thing with a black head which sits on the leaf. Underneath the foliage the stem is black with a beaded style thing and there are little black bug things too. Presently it's only on one stem but there are a couple of black bits on one of the other stems.

Any idea what they might be and whether they will potentially damage the plant? I am quite happy to let them be if they aren't going to do something to the plant but want to ensure the health of the plant if they are a pest that need to be removed.

Any hints on removing them humanely? Or is it just a bug spray?

Thanks

[PAULW]

Pictures would be very helpful

[spectrawax8]

Strange red thing could be a soldier beetle which may be predating on your other bugs which could be blackfly? Have you harvested your blackcurrants yet?

[deleriumal]

As per request 2 photos one showing the red bug and one showing the black stuff on the stems.

There have been no flowers and no currants as yet since it is still quite a young plant.

thanks for the help so far

[srodders]

Look like soldier beetles to me. My lavender is covered with them.

[spectrawax8]

Definitely a soldier beetle - wont harm your blackcurrant and might get rid of other harmful bugs - google it.