Rat infestation sweeps UK

Councils cutting back on bin collections have led to a rise in UK rat infestation, claims a new survey. Two thirds of pest control operators have seen the numbers of vermin call-outs jump sharply in the last year - with up to 200 rats found in a single property, in one case.

Home insurer LV claims the combined damage to UK property has now hit £500m in the last year alone.