Residents’ horror after their homes were overrun with mutant rats the size of CATS
More than a dozen houses have been plagued by the massive, foot-long rodents in Northfleet, Kent
GIANT mutant rats the size of cats have left residents living in fear after invading an entire row of terraced homes.
More than a dozen homes have been plagued by the massive, foot-long rodents which have been scurrying through gardens and lofts.
Mum-of-three Melissa Gillingham is terrified that the huge beasts, which are known to spread disease, may bite her young children.
The huge rats' sudden appearance are believed to have been caused by a mains water supply leak in the road, in Northfleet, Kent.
Melissa, 23, said: "About two weeks ago we first noticed it. We started hearing them scurrying around when we were in bed.
"When we spotted one we went and bought a trap and we managed to catch it.
"We've not had anything since then but everyone here can still hear them because our lofts are connected."
Melissa lives with her partner Aaron Barham and three children Kasey, four, Maddison, two and Ella-Rose, six weeks.
The mum has called on her local housing association Hyde to get rid of them and the local council has insisted it is up to residents to keep their homes free of pests.
Rats can carry diseases, spoil food, cause structural damage to properties and can potentially cause electrical fires by chewing threw wires and cables.
Melissa added: "Hyde should help us get rid of them. Rats carry diseases, they are very nasty creatures and can end up biting.
"They have told us to get pest control involved but you have got to pay for that and I can't afford it."
Gravesham council told residents there is "a legal duty on both the occupier and owner of property or land to take all reasonable actions to keep their property or land free from these pests".
Olushola Alao, Hyde Housing's resident services manager for Kent, said: "We understand residents' distress and are committed to doing all we can to help.
"The housing officer for this area is meeting with the residents to discuss how best to work together, alongside the local authority, to address this infestation as a matter of urgency.
"The housing officer will also work with local authority colleagues, to investigate the possible source of this infestation so that it can be addressed.
"In addition, we're liaising with the council to clear surrounding land of rubbish left by fly tippers.
"We are keen to support residents to address this issue effectively and are seeking expert advice.
"Unfortunately rats, mice and other pests can become a challenge in residential areas.
"Often the cause of the original infestation is not readily apparent and it is not unusual that a problem in one home can quickly spread to others.
"By working together we can aim to limit the damage to property and the distress caused by outbreaks of this kind, and do everything possible, to reduce the chances of it happening again.";