A bakery has been forced to close by a court after council officers discovered it was infested with rats.

Seebake in London Road, Brighton, was ordered to shut immediately by city magistrates.

The court granted Brighton and Hove City Council an emergency prohibition order after environmental health officers feared there was a risk to customers' health.

The owner, Robin Ross, was ordered to close the business and keep it shut until the premises complied with food hygiene regulations.

Magistrates heard how environmental health officers visited the bakers for a routine inspection.

They found the premises dirty and poorly maintained.

As well as the rats, the officers found defective drainage.

Because the officers feared there could be a health risk they immediately served an emergency prohibition notice, which orders the temporary closure of the premises.

Three days later the council made an application at the court for a permanent order.

In court, Mr Ross consented to the order.

Environmental health officer Roy Pickard said: "We are pleased the magistrates agreed with us on the need to close the premises immediately.

"The conditions found posed an imminent risk to public health.

"Food proprietors who allow serious breaches of hygiene regulations will face immediate closure of their premises."

Council lawyer Len Batten, said: "The premises will remain shut until the environmental health officers consider it is safe to open and there is no health risk."

Mr Batten said the council would be considering whether charges under the food hygiene regulations would be issued.

The officers found the premises had flaking paint and the basement walls were so damp cleaning them was impossible.

There was also mouldy food in the fridge and sandwich filling stored at room temperature, which could cause health problems.

The bakery will not be allowed to reopen until it has been been re-inspected by council officers.