BORIS Johnson has called on local authorities to control foxes in the wake of the baby twins mauled in their cot in East London. He is stepping up pressure on town halls s to deal with the increasing number of “urban pests”

By Mike Brooke

BORIS Johnson has called on local authorities to control foxes in the wake of the baby twins mauled in their cot in East London at the weekend.

The London Mayor is stepping up pressure on town halls s to deal with the increasing number of “urban pests” such as foxes.

“People like to think foxes are a wonderful addition to the flora and fauna of London,” he said. “But they are undoubtedly a pest.

“They are a menace in their scavenging for rubbish and, as we’ve seen the last few days, they can in rare circumstances present a threat to humans as well.”

He added: “It is right that local authorities focus on their duties for pest control, because as romantic and cuddly as a fox is, it is a pest.”

The Mayor’s Office at City Hall denied one press report in London this-morning (Wednesday) that Boris is calling for a culling of foxes. The culling suggestion was “categorically denied.”