A Leyton grocery has been ordered to close immediately after health inspectors found a catalogue of hygiene horrors, including infestations of cockroaches and mice.

Officers from Waltham Forest council’s food safety team visited China House in High Road, Leyton, on Tuesday, May 17 after receiving a complaint about hygiene.

When they arrived, the owner was found cutting meat in a “filthy” store room that had raw meat residue stuck to the walls.

However, this was only the beginning of the inspectors’ discoveries. German cockroaches were seen crawling along the walls in the storeroom and over packets of food.

Evidence was also found of a serious infestation of mice, including nests made up of chewed up cardboard boxes and mouse droppings on food products, food shelves and around chest freezers.

Inspectors considered the shop to be an imminent risk to public health a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served on the premises, closing the store immediately.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was then confirmed on Thursday, May 19, at Stratford Magistrates Court, meaning the shop will remain closed until issues have been addressed.

The council was also awarded full costs of £465.

Waltham Forest council deputy leader, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: “It is unbelievable that people think it is acceptable to operate a food business in such appalling conditions.

“We simply won’t stand for any business putting the health of our residents at risk in Waltham Forest, so I’m pleased with the decisive action that has been taken here.”

While carrying out the inspection, officers also found a large quantity of illicit tobacco. More than 14,000 cigarettes were seized and will be tested before any further action is taken.