A DAD has been left horrified after spotting at least 20 rats running riot in Priory Park.

Jamie Sinclair, who visits Priory Park in Southend with family, says the issue has always been a problem but has worsened in recent months.

The 44-year-old, from Prittlewell, says the park has been the go-to through lockdown, but raised major concerns about the amount of vermin.

Mr Sinclair said: “It really is disgusting to see. I’d say there were at least 20, maybe more, rats when I last went there.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. You could see them running across the metal railings.

“My children hold those railings to look at the fish and feed them, as well as looking out at the pond. And the elderly often use the space too.

“It’s not the first time I’ve seen them there, but I’ve never seen this many.

“I just think about my kids and the other children and families who might use the area the same as mine do. It is awful for them.”

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Mr Sinclair is pushing for urgent action, but Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment and planning, insists the council is already aware of the situation and doing what it can to keep the problem under control.

She said: “We are aware of brown rats at Priory Park and have measures in place to control their numbers. These mammals are highly adaptable and will happily live in a variety of habitats. 

“Brown rats are common and widely spread throughout the UK, in both urban and rural locations near human habitation. The availability of food will affect both the number of rats living in the park and the effectiveness of control measures.”

Mr Sinclair added: “They were running everywhere, almost as if they were having a party. It’s just not what you expect to see.

“It’s got to be addressed urgently, especially with the parks being one of the few places we can take our children during lockdown.”

Council bosses are now issuing advice.

Ms Mulroney added: “Brown rats are omnivorous and will eat almost anything. 

“Visitors can help us in controlling the population by taking leftover food from picnics home and not overfeeding the ducks, as any food the ducks do not eat is likely to be taken by the rats.”