Luke Williams captured images of up to nine rats in Boscombe Chine Gardens.

As reported earlier this week, residents have reported seeing rats ‘all over Bournemouth’.

Following the story, Luke shared images of the scene he captured in December with the Daily Echo.

Luke said: “When I saw these rats I felt frustrated that people ignore the signs ‘please don't feed the birds’ that are nearby.

“I wish people would see this and think twice before leaving birdseed in our council gardens and town centres.

“Not only does that encourage rats but pigeons too.”

Luke said he previously lived in Bournemouth town centre but “frequently” saw similar scenes in the Lower Gardens where people left food out for the birds, however, squirrels and rats would eat it instead.

BCP Council said numbers of rats have increased in built-up areas in recent years.

It said its council services are “working hard” with businesses to ensure they are controlled.

The local authority said known encampments of rats are effectively treated by the council’s environmental health team on a “regular basis”.

Business owners have been urged to play their part in managing the number of rats by disposing of food waste correctly, not leaving it in the street, and limiting access to warm sleeping areas.