A pizza parlour has been closed after inspectors witnessed stomach-churning scenes of mice scurrying along countertops and dead rodents in a pool of grease.

Franco Pizza in Walthamstow’s Hoe Street was home to one of the worst cases of poor hygiene that food safety officers have dealt with and has now been served a slice of justice.

During a visit on April 5, officers from Waltham Forest Council stumbled upon mouse droppings on dishwashing gloves, mouldy food and grimy utensils in the kitchen.

Piles of unsorted rubbish were found just inches away from meal preparation stations and the owners were ordered to cease trading the same day.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) was confirmed by Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday April 17 and costs of £748 were awarded to the council.

A spokesman for Waltham Forest Council said: “Waltham Forest Council officers have seen some horrendous sights in the course of their inspections, and this ranks amongst one of the worst.

“How any business owner can possibly think it’s acceptable to serve food from a kitchen in a state like this is beyond me.

“The vast majority of restaurant and food business owners are conscientious and keep their premises clean and tidy.

“Our message to the minority who do not is clear - we will find you out and when we do we will close you down to protect the health of residents.”

The restaurant remains closed and the owners are required to make significant improvements before it will be allowed to reopen.