A massive 22-inch rat discovered inside a UK residence has prompted urgent calls from local councillors for borough-wide action against what they describe as a worsening rodent crisis that threatens public health across Redcar and Cleveland.
The enormous rodent was discovered by a pest control professional responding to infestation reports at a property in Normanby, according to local media. The massive rat, believed to be among the largest ever documented in Britain, had been living inside the residential property and resembled what experts describe as a "sewer rat," the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported. While the method of entry remains unknown, residents had previously spotted similar creatures in nearby alleyways, raising concerns about the scope of the infestation.
Photographs of the giant rodent shared on social media have alarmed local residents and triggered demands for comprehensive pest control measures across Redcar and Cleveland. The images show a creature roughly the size of a small dog, highlighting the severity of the vermin problem facing the community, The Mirror reported.
Councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin, who represent the Eston ward, have characterized the situation as deteriorating and called for immediate intervention by Redcar and Cleveland Council. The officials are pushing for a complete vermin assessment and borough-wide treatment program that would encompass council-owned properties while engaging businesses, landlords and social housing providers, Teeside Live reported.
The councillors' demands come following recent incidents involving dangerous plants affecting local children, underscoring growing public health concerns in the area. The discovery has intensified existing frustrations over waste management practices that councillors say are contributing to the rodent explosion.
Good grief!
Massive rat found in Normanby, Redcar and Cleveland.
(Labour-run council.) pic.twitter.com/Mv9Du90IqT— Euphrosene Labon aka Wise El (@euphrosene) August 3, 2025
Describing the captured rodent as "massive," local official David Taylor compared its size to "a small cat or dog," noting that pest control professionals had informed him that typical sewer rats can reach such dimensions. His assessment reflects growing concerns about the potential for larger infestations if current conditions persist.
Following patterns seen across numerous local authorities, Redcar and Cleveland Council has discontinued pest control services for private property owners, though it maintains a full-time officer dedicated to addressing issues on council-owned land. Additionally, social housing providers do not universally provide pest control services, offering them only at their discretion when available.
"They'll keep multiplying and unless there is a big cull in the area, people will keep experiencing this," Cllr Taylor warned. His statement reflects concerns that without immediate intervention, the community will face recurring encounters with oversized rodents.
A council representative responded to the concerns, stating that "the council has a dedicated pest control officer who manages pest issues on council-owned land. While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible." The spokesperson emphasized ongoing collaboration with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions, while directing residents to guidance and preventative measures available on the council's website for pest management support.
The enormous rodent, resembling a "sewer rat" and measuring nearly two feet long, has triggered warnings that Redcar and Cleveland's vermin problem is spiraling out of control as overflowing bins and poor waste management create ideal breeding conditions.
