Rotting mice and droppings found over food has led to a shop being closed to protect the public.

Vermin inhabiting Winns Store in Winns Avenue, Walthamstow, had nibbled through crisps, pies and other food items leaving a trail of droppings around the shop.

An inspector was sent to the venue after a shopper complained his loaf of bread had been nibbled.

When Environmental Health Officers inspected the shop earlier this week, they found a ‘significant’ infestation and shut it down.

Two mummified dead mice were discovered in the shop and droppings on packets of food and on shelving where food was stored.

The shop was also found to be filthy, with a huge pile of rubbish in the rear yard.

The matter was put before Stratford Magistrates’ Court on 21 January to obtain a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment said: “We all rely on the local shop to be able to drop into for a loaf of bread or a pint of milk.

"The idea of getting home to find that mice have nibbled the end of a loaf is truly horrible.

“The owner of this store should be wholly embarrassed and will be held to account for this shocking dereliction of duty.”

The business owner, Mr Ramanan Thillainathan, will have to prove that the problems identified have been put right before the shop can reopen.

He may then subsequently be subject to a prosecution brought by the council.

The shop, registered as Pat’s Mini Mart, had its licence to sell alcohol revoked earlier this year after illicit booze was found on site.

The owner is currently appealing.