The owner of a Highams Park takeaway infested with cockroaches has apologised to customers promising "it will never happen again".  

Spice E4 in Hale End Road was closed by environmental health officers at Waltham Forest Council following a routine inspection on September 16.

Watch exclusive video footage below:

Inspectors found live German cockroaches scuttling along the kitchen and store room floor, as well as several dead and alive cockroaches in the cellophane dispenser.

Overall conditions were described as 'filthy' with floors, walls, cooking units and equipment covered in thick grease and food waste, and poor structural damage providing the insects with easy access and shelter. 

Spice E4 was allowed to re-open on September 21 after owner Mohammed Islam said his team spent five days deep-cleaning, repairing structural damage and replacing filthy equipment. 

He admitted to the Guardian the takeaway's hygiene was below standard but refused to fully explain why and said he had been working with Pest Control for several months.    

For the full story, see this week's Guardian out on Thursday.