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The savage rodents have turned a reddish colour after pet rats were released and bred with wild ones.

And they can be seen running wild every day in Lochpark Industrial Estate, Hawick, just 20 miles from England.

But local council chiefs claim they cannot put down poison to wipe out the disease-carrying creatures in case it kills pet cats and dogs as well.

Tyre dealer Colin Easton says he sees dozens of the rats scampering around every day.

Huge holes are clearly visible under bushes where it is thought the rats have been burrowing towards England.

While some locals have been trying to kill them, other crazy residents reportedly go there to feed them.

Colin said: “I’ve seen white rats as well as ginger ones. Someone from the council came up but I’m not sure what stage they are at.”

One local said: “The place is in infested with the rats. I used to walk my dog along there but no longer do so because I was afraid of someone putting poison down. The problem really needs to be dealt with.

“I think someone has been releasing pet rats into the wild and they have been breeding with the wild ones."

The industrial park lies just 20 miles from the border with England.

A spokesman for the Scottish Borders Council said: “The council was first made aware of rat activity in the Lochpark area in mid-February.

Officers have investigated all complaints received and have been monitoring the area along with offi cers from our pest control service.

"Due to the risk of harming other wildlife and pets, we are unable to bait the area."