Horrified woman films family of rats running around shopping area car park

A horrified woman filmed a number of rats running round the car park of a shopping area.

The shopper, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she was shocked to see so many of the rats around the centre of the car park at St Andrew’s Retail Park on Hessle Road, west Hull.

The footage reportedly shows the rodents scuttling round the anchor centrepiece in the car park of the shopping area which is home to the likes of B&M and Wilko.

It was taken just as it has been revealed mouse and rat infestations are on the rise in Hull.

The woman told Hull Live: “I was really shocked to see so many rats running in out of the bushes and gathering around the fountain while out shopping.

“It is such a busy area and it was only early around 4.30pm but they didn't seem scared at all by people walking past either.”

There was a huge increase in the number of rodents spotted during the first coronavirus lockdown leading to fears of greater numbers being reported heading into winter.

Residents are being urged to look out for signs of infestations as they look to find their way to shelter as the weather takes a turn for the worse.

In spring, British Pest Control Association (BPCA) members reported a 51 per cent hike in rodent activity while 78 per cent of pest controllers polled reported increased rat sightings in particular.

Sixty three per cent also alerted to a rise in mouse-related incidents.

During the first lockdown, a huge rat "the size of a small dog" was spotted in a north Hull garden.

The large rodent appeared in a garden off Endike Lane amid warnings from experts that British homes could be exposed to hungry rats looking for food following the closure of restaurants during lockdown.

The large rat in the garden near Endike Lane (Hull Daily Mail WS)

She says she saw them at a car park (Hull Daily Mail WS)

Now a national trade body is urging householders and businesses in Hull to be on the look-out for signs of an infestation as rats and mice head indoors for winter - an issue that could be made worse by lockdown and restrictions.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA technical officer, said: “As temperatures begin to drop and food becomes scarce, rats will begin looking for shelter and scraps in more urban locations. And as autumn and winter push on, rats start to head indoors.

“Rats and mice do not hibernate and are a problem all year round.”