A former restaurant owner has been fined more than £5,000 after rats invaded his kitchen.

Environmental health officers issued an emergency closure order after the discovery at the Taste of India, Sackville Road, Bexhill, last July.

Then owner Akik Miah took immediate action to tackle the problem and the restaurant reopened a week later.

Inspectors discovered the rats were getting into the building through damaged brickwork.

Rat droppings were found in the kitchen, the food store and in the ceiling above the dining area.

Miah, who sold the business late last year, was fined £5,014 after a hearing at Hastings Magistrates’ Court. Magistrates were told the restaurant is now under new ownership and management.