RATS on the rampage near a Keighley fast-food restaurant have caused a storm on social media.

Photos of rodents wandering close to the KFC outlet at Keighley Retail Park, Hard Ings Road, have been posted on Facebook.

Many people have voiced shock at the vermin.

But supporters of the chicken chain attribute the problem to people dumping rubbish.

Horrified Sandra Maria messaged on Facebook that she had counted eight rats just inches from the restaurant entrance.

She contacted KFC, which responded that it "insists upon extremely high levels of hygiene and safety".

It said strict food safety procedures were followed, with frequent monitoring and routine inspections.

The Keighley News earlier this week contacted KFC's head office in Woking which said we would need to speak to its public relations company, whose phone number was 'out of service'.

The restaurant itself declined to comment.

But today KFC got in touch, saying the Keighley premises are "a rat-free zone" and that the restaurant holds the highest possible Food Standards Agency rating of five.

A spokesman added: "We're now working closely with The Pied Piper to apprehend these rampaging rats in the surrounding area and lead them out of Keighley."

This week, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) warned property owners that rat numbers are likely to soar this autumn and urged people to take precautions.

The expected surge is due to a combination of cooler temperatures and increasingly wet weather.

Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA technical manager, said: "Rain washes rats out of sewers and other nesting places and, inevitably, they go looking for shelter.

"Our members report that the number of calls to deal with infestations often rises in the autumn, when the temperature drops quite dramatically, and we're expecting a similar pattern this time."

She said that apart from the health risks, rats also chewed on wood or electrical wires which could pose a safety hazard.

And they breed rapidly.

Advice includes cut back overgrown areas and keep yards tidy to remove potential nesting sites, dispose of rubbish carefully and don't leave leftover food lying around.

Mrs Ward-Thompson added that anyone seeking to get rid of rats should only use a qualified person.

"Rats must be dealt with by an expert technician who knows the area in question and their likely habitat and knows how to treat any particular strain," she said.

"Most people simply want the job done right first time and, by employing a company or individual affiliated with the BPCA, they can be sure they're using an expert in the field.

"We've established strict criteria to ensure the professionalism of our members so controllers carrying our logo will carry out safe, effective and legal treatments."