Hygiene inspectors uncovered “shocking and sickening” conditions at a Leyton takeaway last week, including rat droppings in food containers.

New Curry Queen at 466 High Road, an Indian takeaway which also offers fried chicken, kebabs and pizzas, was described as “filthy, with poor standards of hygiene” and shut down.

Rat droppings underneath equipment, on floors and in food containers were discovered, as well as mouldy food in fridges.

“A business that treats its customers with such a level of contempt really does not deserve to be in business,” Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said.

The restaurant was forced to close and on March 3 after the council obtained a hygiene emergency prohibition order from Stratford Magistrates’ Court.

“It’s shocking,” Cllr Loakes added.

“There really is no other word for it. To think that rats were running around in the kitchen is really sickening.”

Yesterday afternoon building work was seen to be taking place in the restaurant, which was closed.

Staff could not be contacted for comment.