A hawk was deployed at Euston Station in London to help control the growing pigeon presence.

The bird, named Oscar, is now patrolling the station to scare off the so-called 'rats with wings' that have long disrupted passengers and staff.

Officials said a trained falconer accompanies Oscar during patrols, which are carried out during off-peak hours to avoid disturbing commuters.

Network Rail described the move as a green and compassionate solution. A spokesman said: 'We're always looking for innovative ways to solve problems, and this seemed like a natural fit.

'The hawk is a humane and effective way to control the pigeon population.'

One regular commuter noted the impact, saying: 'The station feels cleaner and less chaotic without all the pigeons. It's a smart way to handle the issue.'

Pigeons are often viewed as dirty or bothersome due to their scavenging habits and presence in crowded public spaces - sometimes dubbed 'rats with wings' due to the diseases they can spread.

However, they are also known for their intelligence and adaptability.

Hawks, being natural predators of pigeons, pose a significant threat to them. Their presence alone is often enough to deter pigeons from settling in an area, as pigeons instinctively recognise hawks as a danger.

Euston Station records an average of around 99,138 passenger entries and exits each day, making it the 10th busiest railway station in London.