RESIDENTS were shocked to see a large family of rats running around in Bolton town centre.

This picture shows the animals scurrying across the grassed area of Nelson Square at around 9pm on Tuesday.

A woman, who asked not to be named, took the pictures on her phone.

She said: “I live in flats in Nelson Square and was disgusted because I have to walk through the square every day.

“They only usually come out at night but this was in daylight and at least 10 of them were running around in the middle of the grass.

“They also seemed to be going into and coming out of the old public toilets that have been closed for years.

“I just worry about them getting into the pubs and restaurants and obviously the flats. They clearly aren't afraid of people.”

Bolton Council said the increased numbers could be due to construction work in the town disturbing the rats' usual hang-outs in the sewers.

A spokesman added: “We carry out a regular programme of treatment on the town centre to deal with rats and Nelson Square is treated as part of this programme.”