A Chinese takeaway "putting the health of their customers at risk" has been ordered to close after mice droppings and urine was found on tins and packets of food.

Waltham Forest council’s environmental health officers intervened after finding the vermin infestation at Fu Lam Chinese takeaway, in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

Officers visited the premises last Tuesday (February 3) and found mice droppings on tins of food and in a cardboard box containing food packaging.

The box was also soaked with urine, as was the inside of a bag used to deliver food to customers.

Floorboards in the storerooms were gnawed by mice and two cockroaches were also found in the kitchen.

In addition to the vermin infestation, the takeaway was also described as "absolutely filthy" by the inspector, who said the kitchen was thick with grease and a "filthy" tea towel was found drying on a broom handle.

She also said the chef’s apron was dirty and brushes were encrusted with food debris.

The council’s food and safety inspector closed the takeaway immediately after completing her inspection and served a hygiene emergency prohibition notice on the owner of the business, Yee Ting Pang.

On Friday (February 5), the matter was taken to Stratford Magistrates’ Court where the order was granted to the council meaning the takeaway can remain closed until it can satisfy the inspector that all the problems have been addressed.

The business will have to carry out deep cleaning, repair the structural damage and address the vermin problem before it is allowed to reopen.

Labour councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest council, said: “It beggars belief that anyone operating a food business could allow mice and cockroaches in their kitchen.

“It never fails to amaze me how business owners can simply carry on regardless when there is an obvious need to address these sorts of issues.

“They are so blatantly putting the health of their customers at risk and yet seemingly they don’t give a damn.

“Well thank goodness our inspectors do.”