New design initiative for vermin treatment

Designer couple Quentin Newark and Mette Heinz achieved stardom of a sort last week, with the broadcast of an ITV documentary about London’s rat population.

The couple have played host to a variety of vermin over the years, but none more disturbing than the rats which seem intent on residing with them in their current flat. Constant infestation has lead to the development of a home-made rat spear, which has also dispatched the odd burglar, and dustbin-lid combat frisbees.

Mild-mannered Newark admits around a dozen rats have fallen prey to his assaults. “It’s a bit like a Tarantino movie when you catch one,” he says. “But once they’re in, they have to be taken care of before they get too comfortable.”