The owner of a filthy Southall food store have been fined after dead mice, flies and cockroaches were found amongst the groceries.

Charn Singh, 57, owns the Southall Cash and Carry in King Street. He pleaded guilty to six hygiene offences at Acton Magistrates' Court on 13 March.

This landed him with a bill for £5,405, consisting of a £800 fine for each offence plus the Council’s court costs of £605.

During a routine inspection, Ealing Council’s environmental health officers found:

• - surfaces in the shop sticky with mice urine
• - rat and mice droppings
• - dirt and mould in food storage areas

Marie Ashley, Environmental Health Manager for Ealing Council, said: "This case reinforces the importance of the work done by council officers to protect our residents. It’s appalling to think they were selling food in these filthy conditions.

"I'm pleased that our action has resulted in this store cleaning up its act. We are committed to stamping out filthy food practices and improving public health and safety."

Mr Singh now has new measures in place to ensure the premises remain clean and hygienic, including a proper cleaning programme.