Prisoners in a run-down jail are living in fear of giant rats which come up through the toilets.
Inmates at HMP Wymott, a 1,020-capacity jail in Lancashire, have to deal with an infestation of the foot-long rodents when they nip to the communal loos.
Those using loos on A-Wing were most in danger of being surprised by rats, some of which are over 1ft-long from nose to tail.
A report into the prison stated that the rats 'come up' through damaged toilets - peeking their heads up as lags go to the loo.
The report by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) stated: "There was an infestation of rats in two of the toilets on A wing.
"And, in August rats were seen again, coming through damaged toilets."
"A pest control team is brought in periodically, but unfortunately the rats have continued to be attracted by the prisoners throwing out food for the birds."
The report, out a fortnight ago, also said A Wing and B Wing were 'falling apart' - saying they were 'freezing in winter' and that tiles were falling off the showers.”
The report painted a grim picture of some parts of the prison, saying the catering facilities were old and the kitchens crumbling.
“It is commendable that the kitchen staff can provide meals for more than 1,100 prisoners using equipment installed to cater for around 800, with deteriorating infrastructure and equipment that continually breaks down,” board members said.
The report added: "The fabric of A and B wings has continued to be a cause for concern.
"The windows are single glazed, with metal frames which are not efficient in keeping the cold out of the cells.
"Tiles continue to fall off the walls and the toilets are in a poor state."
However, in a piece of good news for the prisoners, renovations are due to begin on the crumbling wings soon, their rat woes won’t be at an end any time soon.
The report said: “The prison has finally received approval to refurbish both wings and initial surveys have been carried out, but the refurbishment cannot start until 2023.
“It will be done half a wing at a time, by decanting half of the prisoners into temporary accommodation units, which have not yet arrived on site. The work will not be finished until 2026, so the current, undignified situation is likely to continue.”
