Cockroaches have been found at an Indian takeaway in Highams Park. 

A routine inspection earlier this month by Waltham Forest council's environmental health officers discovered the infestation, overall filthy conditions and the building to be a desperate need of repair. 

Health inspectors closed down Spice E4 in Hale End Road two days after their visit on September 18 after obtaining an emergency hygiene prohibition notice from Stratford Magistrates' Court. 

Live German cockroaches were found scuttling along the kitchen and store room and 'several dead and live cockroaches in the cellophane dispenser'.

The report concluded conditions at the three-star hygiene rated venue were an imminent risk to public health and it was likely the pests which carry food poisoning pathogens had contaminated food. 

It read: "Cockroaches could easily access food preparation worktops, some of which held open containers of food, and dead cockroaches were littered throughout the business.

"Filthy conditions were also found throughout the business with floors, walls, units and equipment encrusted in long term deposits of grease and food waste. 

"Poor structural repairs such as holes in walls and lino flooring coming away provided easy access and harbourage to cockroaches."

The business, forced to pay costs of £569 to the council, has since deep-cleaned the premises and re-opened. 

The cuncil's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, Cllr Clyde Loakes described the findings as “truly horrendous". 

He said: "It goes without saying that what our inspectors found at this business was truly horrendous.

"It’s inconceivable that the restaurant employees were not aware of the problems highlighted and yet rather than doing anything meaningful to address the problems, they simply carried on cooking food in filthy conditions crawling with cockroaches.

"The lack of any respect for their customers is scary and we will do everything we can as a council to make sure they are held to account. 

"I hope any other businesses in the borough showing a similar lack of regard pay attention and clean up their acts. Our residents deserve better."