A gaggle of rats swarmed Camberwell Green to nibble food left for birds in a video tweeted by the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen.
The veteran war correspondent, a Camberwell resident since the 80s, tweeted the grim footage saying: “Camberwell Green, South London this afternoon. Rats enjoying what looks like food left for birds or squirrels. Not a good look, not good for public health.”
Camberwell Green, South London this afternoon. Rats enjoying what looks like food left for birds or squirrels. Not a good look, not good for public health pic.twitter.com/BCIXskGxUX
— Jeremy Bowen (@BowenBBC) August 30, 2022
The video, shot by Mr Bowen’s daughter Mattie Bowen, has prompted disgusted reactions from Twitter users, with people blaming those who feed wildlife, overflowing bins and Brexit.
According to Mr Bowen, Mattie spoke to local street drinkers who said the situation was a “disgrace” and a “shambles”.
People have speculated about where the rats could be living with one person suggesting at the base of a tree, while another said “more likely the old air raid shelters”.
One Twitter user tweeted: “I am always astonished how hard it is to persuade people NOT to feed wildlife. Birds and bread especially baffles (sic) me. I cannot remember ever seeing a squirrel on the scrounge.”
Another Twitter user said: “I’ve been living next to the green for 24 years and this year has been the worst for them,if you walk next to the fence near the main road you can hear them fighting and breeding.”