BOURNEMOUTH'S rat problem is only getting worse - and it won't be long until a two-foot rodent is discovered, a pest controller has warned.

As reported in the Daily Echo, professional rat-catcher Terry Walker found what is believed to be Britain's biggest rat behind a Bournemouth bin.

The creature measured some 21 inches from nose to tail.

But Mr Walker, who has more than 20 years of experience, says bigger rats will be found in the future.

The 53-year-old, who is the manager of TP Pest Control Services, was with rescue dog Max when he discovered an enormous rat behind near in the town centre. It weighed around 650g - double the average.

In January last year, he caught rats which measured 19 inches and 16 inches long in Poole.

He said: "There's no doubt about it, I think there are definitely two foot long rats in the UK. It's just a matter of time until someone catches one.

"If you go back a few years ago the average length was maybe 14 inches, but they are definitely getting bigger.

"I caught a 19-inch one last year, and another guy then caught one that was 20 inches.

"This one is 21 inches.

"To my knowledge, those are the three biggest, as shown with a tape measure.

"Lots of people say they've seen one but unless you have the proof, who knows."

Fortnightly bin collections may partly be to blame for the problems, Mr Walker said.

"I think it's because we are creating more waste, our society is getting more obese and the type of waste we are throwing away is fattier," he said.

"That's what the rats are feeding on so they are getting bigger too.

"I don't think it helps that a lot of councils have changed to fortnightly bin collections. There's all sorts of accumulative reasons.

"Most of my work now is rats and it's growing year on year."

Matthew King, Bournemouth council's community enforcement and anti-social behaviour manager, said: "Numbers of rats have increased in built-up areas in recent years and various council services are working hard with businesses to ensure food waste, in particular, is managed properly, and that access to warm sleeping areas for the pests is limited.

"Where business or property owners are not engaging or fulfilling their duties to safeguard their own property and waste against rats, enforcement action is being taken with guidance as necessary from professional officers.

"We would encourage people to report waste being left in open areas to the council.’’