A plague of rats is running riot in a Whitstable road forcing the city council into action.

Pest control experts have stepped in after several rodents were sighted scurrying along Belmont Road, getting into residents’ back gardens and a house.

It follows a joint raid by police and RSPCA inspectors when 43 animals were removed from a detached house in Belmont Road on Tuesday, March 22.

Officers were on the scene for at least five hours rescuing a total of 39 dogs, three cats and a parrot.

The pets have since been placed under the care of the RSPCA.

But despite the house clearance neighbours have reported a rat infestation and suspect the problem emanates from there.

Bob Cole, 68, of Sherwood Drive, is a full-time carer for his mother two doors away from the raided house.

He said: “I see the rats on a daily basis running through my front and back garden and they keep appearing on the road.

“I put rat poison down in the back garden because they kept getting under the decking.

“We have had a rat problem for a number of years but since the animals were cleared from that house suddenly the problem is much worse.

"My grandchildren found two dead ones outside and one on the path. I even had one in my house" - Jan Cottam, Belmont Road

“It has got to be emanating from there, the back garden is wilderness and rumour has it there is a snooker table in there, but you’d never find it.”

His neighbour Jan Cottam had to call pest control to deal with a rodent in her house.

She said: “My grandchildren found two dead ones outside and one on the path. I even had one in my house.

“A rat ate through an air brick and got into the utility room.

“I wouldn’t like to cast aspersions as to how this has been happening more and more recently but something needs to be done.”

The city council has announced they are aware of the raided house and the reported rat infestation in the road.

Spokesman Rob Davies said: “We are aware of this property and are working with colleagues in our private sector housing team and Kent County Council social services in order to try and gain access.

“If we discover a rodent problem at the property, we will carry out baiting work as required.”

The city council offers a pest control service for dealing with rats and is warning animal owners in the Belmont Road area to be careful.

Mr Davies added: “Baiting has already been carried out at one property in Belmont Road and we have also put some bait boxes in the hedgerow along the cricket ground.

“We would urge pet owners to take extra care with their animals in this area.”

Anyone with concerns about rats in their garden can call 01227 862202 to request a visit by a pest control officer.