Residents, shoppers, and spectators were horrified in Diagon Alley yesterday as a rumble in the streets was swiftly followed by a course of rats from various sewer covers in the shopping district.

Though the rodents themselves prompted only minor injuries, no fewer than a dozen individuals were injured, and four killed, in the panic that followed. One man, a Mr. Leroy Johnson, failed so utterly in his attempts to apparate away from the scene that only his head was found on the street.

A representative from the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes said that the cause was under investigation, though given many bite victims seemed to be rather befuddled when authorities arrived on the scene, the department suspects a magical source.

As always, anyone with information is encouraged to alert the appropriate Ministry officials.