Rats have been spotted running amok in a busy street where children play.

Householders in Montrose Crescent, Barnet, first noticed the vermin running into the drain pipes when a water main burst in August.

Lili Panagi, 70, is “disgusted” by the creatures which she fears are a health hazard.

She said: “It’s absolutely appalling. I was unloading my shopping from the car when I saw two going past at lightning speed. One jumped up at me – it was rather frightening.

“It was grey and it looked disgusting. I used to let my granddaughter play outside and there’s always children playing here. It can be very dangerous.

“They are just gambolling about on our street. They need to be removed.”

Mrs Panagi first noticed the rats appear in the area when Thames Water dug up the road to repair a broken drain pipe.

In the 30 years she has lived in the area, she claims she has never once seen a rat before.

The grandmother said she contacted Barnet Borough Council, which told her it would cost £150 to send an exterminator to get rid of the rats.

She added: “I pay my taxes so I wasn’t quite sure why I was being asked to fork out an extra sum of money to get rid of the rats, especially when it’s a matter of health and safety.”

The authority said householders are only liable to pay the fee if the rats are nesting in private land, which could be ascertained by an initial assessment.

However, the flats in Montrose Crescent are owned by Barnet Homes, who have received no complaints about rats in the area.

People concerned about vermin should call Barnet Council’s public health and nuisance team on 0208 359 7995.