Environmental health officers shut down a restaurant after finding decomposing chicken in the fridge and that there was no running water.

They said they were stunned to find the Feng Shui restaurant in Preston Street, Brighton, open for business despite being disconnected from the water mains.

Brighton magistrates served an Emergency Prohibition Order against owner Wai Kit Lau.

So far, Mr Lau has made no representations to reopen the business.

Brighton and Hove City Council officers investigated the premises on Thursday, January 30, after a tip-off.

They said they were disgusted with what they found.

A council spokeswoman said: "The kitchen was in a filthy condition and dirty equipment and utensils were present. There was an accumulation of dirty dishes, plates and cutlery that had not been washed up.

"There was no water available for washing food, hand washing or cleaning, or for flushing toilets.

"A container full of smelly raw decomposing chicken was found inside one of the fridges."

Magistrates ordered the restaurant should be closed until officers are satisfied that a health risk no longer exists.

Mr Lau was unavailable for comment.