A man who fears rats from a “large and breeding colony” may bite children says he will put poison down himself if his council takes no action.

More than half a dozen rats have been seen scurrying in and out of holes near public toilets in South End Green, Hampstead.

Bernard Thorogood, who lives in nearby Lawn Road, says "urgent action" is needed to deal with the rodents, which can spread Weil’s disease – a potentially fatal disease found in their urine.

He said a neighbour had approached him saying Camden Council did not accept responsibility for dealing with rat infestations, but the council told the Ham&High that they were working with the owner of the site, but did not disclose who the owner is.

Mr Thorogood said: "The patch is riddled with rat holes - this is a large and breeding colony."

"The rats are living in a public place and clearly present a significant risk to public health, not in the least from Weil's disease and the many other diseases which can be spread by rats, never mind the effect of rat bites. The passing public has open access to this piece of land and youngsters especially might easily access it for fun and thereby encounter a large rodent."

He said if no action was taken he would consider putting poison into the holes himself.

He added: "Urgent action is required please, from a public health perspective."

Ham & High: In a leafy enclave in South End Green lives a 'colony of breeding rats'In a leafy enclave in South End Green lives a 'colony of breeding rats' (Image: Bernard Thorogood)

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “Our pest control team have responded to the reports of rats in South End Green and are working with the owner of the affected site to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

"We have a baiting programme in place to control the issue and our team are visiting the site regularly.

"We anticipate a reduction in the coming days but will continue visits to the area until the issue has been resolved.

"For the comfort and safety of our residents, we take swift action in response to pest issues such as this."

People can report pest issues to Camden Council by emailing pestcontrol@camden.gov.uk or by calling 020 7974 4444.