THIS is the man believed to be public enemy number one in a Hampshire community plagued by rats.

Residents of Highfield in Southampton have snapped this picture of the figure they have dubbed the “Ratman” because he feeds the rodents which are infesting their neighbourhood.

The bulging bags hanging from the handlebars of his bike do not contain shopping but sacks of grain for the growing rat population, which has sparked a public health scare in the area.

He was captured on camera after residents put up posters asking people to report anyone they see feeding the rats.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the rat problem in Highfield is the worst seen in more than 20 years by council pest control workers, who have embarked on a mass culling programme set to take at least two months.

“Ratman” is understood to be volatile and Southampton city council have warned residents not to approach him.

It is understood that Ratman been issued with a Community Protection Notice and could face a fine if he continues to feed the animals.

But one Highfield resident who preferred not to be named, said Ratman is known to be “unpredictable”, and has “no respect for authority whatsoever.”

He said: “The problem has exploded. People are getting seriously hacked off. The rats are living the life of Riley.

"He’s been seen cramming food down the cracks of the wall in the church. He’s clearly presenting a health risk.

“The damage he has done to Furzedown Road and Lovers’ Walk is phenomenal. The land literally moves with swarms of rats.

“My concern is that the trees have been totally undermined and if one of the large oaks goes it will fall onto the road, or it will go down on Lovers’ Walk. Either way it poses a risk.

“I notice that since poisoning began on Saturday their numbers have already gone down.

"However, what is the point, if this man is only going to keep feeding and helping them?

"In our area they have no predators and plenty of cover.

"If he remains at large it will only cost Southampton city council and the tax payer more and more.”

Head teacher of Highfield Primary School Alan King sent out a letter to parents last week asking them and the 300-plus pupils careful in the area.

The letter said: “We have just been advised that due to an ongoing pest problem at the Churchyard in Highfield Church there has been a need for them to employ pest control who have put down products.

"Whilst not dangerous to children, it should not be ingested as it could make them sick.

"Therefore, we would ask parents/guardians to be vigilant when using this area for access for the next week or so.”

Staff at St Denys Surgery on Portswood Road, which has 2,900 patients on its list, were forced to install CCTV on their premises after piles of bread were repeatedly found dumped over their fence.

A spokesperson for the surgery said: “It’s always going to be an issue in the area because of all the restaurants and the food waste, but you don’t want someone adding to it.”

City council’s pest control services manager Justin Crow told the Daily Echo that the situation has become “urgent”.

He said: “The good thing is that we are now using a rodenticide that is very resistant but the ground along Furzedown Road needs to be cleared and flattened so that we can establish if there are any burrows there.”