A Brighton take-away has been shut down after being overrun with mice.

Magic Wok in Portslade was ordered to close immediately following an inspection by Brighton & Hove City Council’s environmental health team on May 13.

Officers visiting the take-away in Victoria Road were horrified to find mice droppings and chewed surfaces in every room including food stores and kitchen.

Under the food safety legislation they ordered that the premises should be immediately closed.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday a permanent closure order was issued to Lee Jian You, owner of Magic Wok.

The order means that the premises must remain closed until improvements have been carried out and environmental health officers are satisfied that there is no further risk to public health.

Magistrates heard how visiting environmental health officers found the garden of the premises full of rubbish and debris including an old sofa, providing ideal breeding conditions for mice and rats.

They also found gaps under doors and holes in walls and woodwork which allowed rodents to get in and out of the rooms.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Cabinet member for Environment said: "This was an appalling breach of the food hygiene regulations, and one of the worst infestations of mice that officers have ever seen.

“Fortunately cases as bad as this are rare, but the public can rest assured that public safety is a priority for the council and we will act swiftly to close down any food outlets which could be putting residents' health at risk."