Half a caravan that has had "rats crawling in it" has been dumped in Erith.

Neighbours say they have been complaining about the eyesore since May after it was cut in half and left in Maximfeldt Road.

According to one neighbour, who did not want to be named: "It is crawling with rats which are running up and down the road and all in the gardens.

"It is ridiculous, so many people have complained. It is a health hazard."

Bexley Council has attended and cleared away some of the rubbish, including the metal frame of the caravan, but the shell has been left.

A council spokesman said: "Fly-tipping is unacceptable, it ruins our borough and it costs taxpayers thousands of pounds a year to clear away.

"We have removed the caravan chassis and will be removing the shell and tidying up very shortly.

"Unfortunately we have been unable to gain sufficient evidence to prosecute but we understand that the owner may have been local.

"If anyone has any evidence as to who may have fly-tipped the caravan they should call 020 8303 7777 and speak to Street Scene Services."

The council said it was not aware of a rat problem.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Bexley Council had collected more than £10,000 in on-the-spot fines for fly-tipping during a national crackdown.

Clearing up fly-tipped rubbish cost councils almost £50 million in 2015/2016, while enforcement action cost nearly £17 million.