A fast-food restaurant has been fined for a number of food hygiene failings after a customer took a picture of a rat on their premises.

Arun District Council has successfully prosecuted Bethel Catering UK Ltd, for food safety offences found at Chicken Cottage in East Street, Littlehampton.

Two Environmental Health Officers inspected the take-away last August following a call from a member of the public who had taken a photo of a rat she had seen inside the shop early that morning.

During this inspection the officers found clear evidence of a rat infestation both inside and outside the premises and the director of the company, Mr Somasundaram agreed to close the premises due to an imminent risk to public health.

There had been previous warnings given about poor standards at the premises and following the inspection in August last year, the company was prosecuted for a number of offences including inadequate procedures to control pests, food not being protected against contamination with raw burgers stored above cooked chicken in the fridge and raw meat cut on a board on a ledge between two sinks.

The company has now been fined a total of £4,000 along with full costs of £1,555.09 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Councillor Terence Chapman, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Arun District Council officers always try and work with businesses, offering advice and guidance but here there are clear breaches of the law and a risk to public health further action will be taken.

“The owner of Chicken Cottage had ignored previous warnings, leaving no option but to take further action”.