BBC's TV Centre 'infected with rats'

The BBC has called in pest control specialists after rats were observed at Television Centre, home of the newscaster's Today program and the World At One, it was reported.

The rodents were dotted at the complex in west London with staff accusing the trouble on overlook at the building following moves to the fresh refitted Broadcasting House in central London and a new media centre in Salford.

Associates were said to have seen the comic side with one leaving a phony rat near the desk of veteran newscaster John Humphrys, according to the Daily Mail.

An informer told the newspaper: "Our operating circumstances are becoming more and filthier because they're not worrying to carry out repairs, as we are presumed to be moving soon as well – though we have no plan when.

"We're not convinced accurately how many rats there are. They keep popping up at distinctive areas around the office.

"Likely the key thing fascinating them is the reality that people are so active they eat at their desks and there are morsels universally."

Last October, it appeared that mice had infested Television Centre, which was raised for sale last year.

Corrie Corfield, a newsreader on Radio 4, protested on Twitter that the building was "swarming with the little blighters. There's no escape." 

Former Today editor Rod Liddle told the Mail: "It was a far more enlightened administration in my day – we just had mice, lice and fleas. 

"Some times ago, when I was on a train from Wiltshire to work, a flea really hopped off me and on to the table in front of two other travelers.

"But rats are pretty tough duty. I indicate, you don't mess with a rat. I feel they should set John Humphrys on them."