Thrown-out food and new housing developments are being blamed for rats getting "bigger and bigger" after a 22-inch (55cm) long rodent was found in a house. It was discovered in Normanby near Middlesbrough and residents said an increase in vermin was being made worse by new housing projects forcing them out of their habitats.

A 22-inch rat has been discovered in a home in North Yorkshire, prompting fears from locals of an infestation in the area. The rat was uncovered by a pest controller who had been called to the property in Normanby, near Middlesbrough. It is said to be one of the biggest ever found on British shores.

David Taylor and Stephen Martin are representatives for a northeast England region. They shared an image of the large rat on July 28. See it.