A build-up of rats in Paris following the worst rainfall in 100 years has sparked a debate about cleanliness in the French capital.

In the wake of severe flooding along the banks of the river Seine, the rats have been seen ‘invading’ areas close to tourist spots.

In a video taken by rubbish collectors in the city, swarms of rats are seen trapped in plastic rubbish bins near the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont Royal, while tourists spotted a group of rats running around outside the Notre Dame cathedral.

Speaking to Le Parisien, a rubbish collector claimed that workers now ‘back away’ from bins, and that rats regularly jump at him and his colleagues, and fears one day someone will be seriously injured.

Mao Peninou, Deputy Mayor in charge of city cleanliness, said the capital was aware of the fact that rats can increasingly be seen in public areas. €1.5m has reportedly been invested into solving the city’s rat problem.

It has been estimated that there are now almost twice as many rats as people in Paris (which has a population of 2.2m), and more than half of the rodents are immune to poison. The rats are also believed to carry more parasites than previously thought, including seven that could be a threat to humans.