Oh i had a dreadful encounter with a large rat, 2 weeks ago. It was rummaging around the grass in Peckham Rye Park , near the stream. As soon as i crossed the little bridge, its beady eyes clocked my every movement! I've never been so scared in a longtime - its was a very large rat, with dirty grey fur and big black/yellow eyes. I walked away as fast as i could. I'm sure it could have easily taken down a small child.