The fearless rodents scurried around just inches from the toddler who was playing by the swings. Council chiefs have now launched an investigation into the infestation following the sighting in Hengrove Park, Bristol. Hengrove Play Park is the biggest children's play area in the south of England, catering for all ages of children from toddlers to teenagers. The parent, who asked not to be named, said: "This park is owned by the council and given the health risk these rats pose I feel they should be doing more to make sure these rats aren't near an area so populated with young children." A Bristol City Council spokeswoman said: "Our pest control team has not received any complaints about rats in that area, however, it is not unusual for us to receive reports of sightings of rats in parks and open spaces as they are wild animals.