A rat “the size of a cat” has been filmed by shocked Glasgow cleansing workers.

The staff took the video as they were working to empty bins in Possilpark at the weekend.

Video footage, obtained by the LDR service, shows the large rodent waddling past the worker’s feet, who cried out at the size of the creature which appeared to be too fat to walk or run away from them. 

It’s one of three videos taken from the weekend which show rats scurrying in and out of the bins in Possilpark before running off. 

Glasgow City Council say the best way to deter rats is to dispose of food waste correctly in the food bin.

Members of the cleansing workforce, who said they were dealing with rat incidents on a daily basis, say these conditions are not acceptable anymore.

One member of staff, who does not wish to be named and helped to film the video, says the workers are worried about catching a disease off the rodents and taking it back to their family.

He said: “Working in the Possil area we have seen a huge increase in rats over the years and more so in the last year the number of rat sightings are picking up.

“There are rats running out the bottom of bins, bags lying at the side [of the pavement] who knows what is in them. 

“Rats carry disease so how can the council expect us to go and work in an environment like that. You could take a disease back to your family and it is just not acceptable anymore and we can’t accept it.”

The local authority is encouraging staff to report any sightings of rats to allow the public health team to step in. 

A spokesperson for the council said: “To protect their health and safety, staff are expected to report rat infestations that they encounter so our public health team can intervene.

“We will continue to monitor the area and will respond appropriately as required.

“Rats are always searching for sources of food. Disposing of food waste in a bin is the best way of deterring rats at specific locations.”