London invaded by rats

Rats are appearing on London streets during daylight in record numbers.

Councils across the capital are trying to find a way to curb the increase in numbers of the once nocturnal animal. In one incident last week, children playing in a park were shocked when around 40 rats appeared only feet from them.

Experts believe the increase is owing to the rise in building works, which disrupt the rats' underground lairs and force them out on to the streets. Refuse from the capital's fast-food outlets is also blamed.

In the UK there are estimated to be about 60million rats, outnumbering humans. Last year the number of rats increased by 29 per cent, and experts expect a similar increase this year.

Richard Strand, chief executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), said: "It's a big problem, and London is particularly hard hit due to the number of building works and the litter problem. Rats are being seen a lot more because of these factors, and it is only going to get worse, unless something is done soon."

Mr Strand warned that, while unlikely to attack, rats carried several dangerous diseases. "They carry Weil's disease, which they can pass on through their urine, and several other pretty nasty ones as well."

BPCA chairman Barrie Sheard said: "The problem is that many councils charge to remove rats, so a lot of cases remain unreported. There is also a lot of controversy over who is to blame. Councils bear the brunt of the cost but the water authorities also have to buck their ideas up, as sewers are a haven for rats."

Beverley Carpenter was watching her children play in a Walthamstow park when up to 40 rodents suddenly appeared. She said: "They were so big the kids thought they were otters, and they were swarming everywhere.

"The young [rats] were swimming in the water and coming really close. I was scared for my children and got them away as soon as possible."

When she called the council, Ms Carpenter was told nothing could be done - as the department dealing with pest control, Community Protection, was on strike and would not be back until 11 August.

A spokeswoman for the council admitted no action could be taken until then. However, she claimed advance baiting was carried out in the park before the strike to try to curb the population.

Kensington and Chelsea council has admitted to a huge increase in the number of daytime rat sightings, and are looking at a number of measures.

Tom Johnson, who works on Kensington High Street, said: "Just yesterday I saw a couple of rats in some rubbish. It was amazing. Instead of running away, they just casually wandered across the road. They're not scared at all, and I seem to see them almost every day."