A restaurant which was found to be riddled with rats has been forced to remain shut following a court order.

Environmental officers found evidence of rats at Imperial China, on the A41, near Bushey, during an inspection on May 10.

Hertsmere Borough Council issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the site.

Yesterday, a magistrate at St Albans Magistrates Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which means Imperial China Watford will remain closed until the infestation has been resolved.

The restaurant was also told to pay £1,450 in costs to Hertsmere Borough Council.