A bagel bakery has been closed for the second time in nine months after the discovery of rats and mice.

Officers from the council's environmental health team closed Aadams Bagel Bakery in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, after discovering rat droppings under a preparation table.

They also found there was no hot water because the gas supply had been cut off, and a poor standard of cleanliness throughout the entire bakery.

During the first visit, in October last year, officers discovered a dead mouse in a food cupboard as well as evidence that a rat and mice infestation had been a problem for months.

After a second visit to Stratford Magistrates’ Court on July 26 the owners were ordered to re-instate the hot water supply, clean the premises and sort out the rodent infestation.

They were also ordered to pay council costs of £770.

The previous visit to the court resulted in a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order closing the store until owners could convince the council there was no longer a risk to public health.

The phone number for the shop is now disconnected and the owners could not be reached for comment.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy council leader and cabinet member for environment, said: “To think that food prepared here has been eaten by local residents is truly sickening.

“How anyone with such a business can let it fall into such a state is frankly beyond comprehension.

“Rest assured I will be doing all I can to ensure officers hold this business fully to account for their appalling lack of hygiene.”