A colossal rat has been discovered in a family home in North Yorkshire, leaving people in disbelief at its sheer size.

It's often said that you are never more than six feet away from a rat, yet most prefer not to dwell on that thought. While rats can cause unease for many, they typically stay out of sight unless they venture into your home.

This was not the case for a family in Normanby, who encountered a rat as large as a cat inside their home.

The rodent measured an astounding 22 inches in length and was discovered in their home last week.

Sharing the news on Facebook, Eston Ward Councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin commented: "This enormous rat, over 22 inches long from nose to tail, was found inside a local home this weekend, and this image was sent by a resident. It’s almost the size of a small cat."

Rats in the UK are around 11 inches on average (Getty Stock Photo)

They further warned: "This isn't an isolated incident. Rats are increasingly being spotted around our area: in alleyways, near bins, on overgrown land, crossing streets, and now inside homes.

"Meanwhile, Redcar & Cleveland Council no longer deals with domestic rat infestations. They may provide advice, but if you find rats in your home, garden, or alley, you're expected to handle it privately."

People were shocked, with one person exclaiming: "That rat is bigger than my grown cat."

Another added: "I’d be on the next flight out."

The rat measured in at a whopping 22 inches (Facebook/David Taylor and Stephen Martin - Eston Ward Councillors)

The councillors explained that rats are typically drawn to 'untouched land and easy food' first.

"As your local councillors, we’re urging the Council administration to take this matter seriously. The people on the ground work extremely hard, but we need comprehensive action across the borough," they stated.

A Redcar and Cleveland council spokesperson told The Independent: “The council has a dedicated pest control officer who manages pest issues on council-owned land.

“While we no longer offer a broader pest control service, we do provide advice to residents when possible.

Rats are attracted to 'easy food' (Getty Stock Photo)

“The council continues to collaborate with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water, and other partners to tackle complex issues and explore potential solutions.

"There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to assist people in dealing with pests.”

It's believed this rat is now the largest ever caught in the UK, surpassing a previous record of a 21-inch rat found in Bournemouth in November 2018.

Tyla has reached out to Redcar and Cleveland council for comment.