A food business which appeared to be used as a home has been closed after environmental health officers discovered filthy and squalid conditions during an inspection.

The industrial unit on Roxwell Business Park in Argall Avenue, Leyton, was shutdown on June 26 following complaints of an unusual smell coming from the premises.

The inspector was initially denied entry by a woman, but later discovered a makshift kitchen with ovens on wooden pallets and no preparation surfaces or fridges.

The inspector also found an infestation of flies, cooked catfish and mouldy prawns stored at the wrong temperature.

The unit was used to distribute seafood, but was not allowed to be used for cooking and it also appeared that someone was living there illegally.

A mattress was found and clothes were strewn around the cooking equipment.

Roxwell Business Park manager has given the owner a month to vacate the premise.