ANOTHER filthy restaurant has been added to the growing tally of premises closed down by environmental health officers.

Officers visited China Ocean, in High Street, Walthamstow for a routine inspection on June 17 and found a thick build-up of grease and food in the kitchen and storeroom.

Cooked ribs, rice and noodles were also being stored at room temperature on “filthy cardboard” and bluebottle flies and cobwebs were spotted where the food was kept.

Chefs were also found to have a poor awareness of food safety, using dirty cloths to wipe surfaces.

Their t-shirts and trousers were stained with grease and the wash hand basin was encrusted with old food, with no soap or paper towels.

Magistrates handed down an emergency hygiene prohibition order on June 19, meaning the restaurant must remain closed until it is brought up to standard.

They also ordered a total of £635 costs to be paid.

Cabinet member for community safety, enforcement and protection Cllr Afzal Akram said: “The vast majority of our restaurants and cafes are well run, clean and hygienic but we will take action against those that don't meet reasonable standards.

“If residents have any concerns about the standard of hygiene in the borough's food premises they should contact our food safety team.”