A food store has been fined £1,500 after a "severe" mouse infestation was uncovered by health inspectors.

Merton’s environmental health officers visited Morden Food Store in London Road on April 4 last year after a member of the public complained that pigeons nesting on the front of the building were ‘fouling’ the open fruit displayed below.

On closer inspection it emerged the entire shop was infested with mice and was immediately closed by officers while pest control measures were put in place, contaminated food was destroyed and the shop was cleaned and disinfected.

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, said: "Our environmental health officers do their utmost to work with food businesses and restaurants to avoid closure where possible.

"However, on behalf of the public, we will not tolerate conditions like those revealed in this case, without taking immediate action to protect the public health."

The store’s owner Syed Waqar pleaded guilty to nine offences under the food hygiene regulations at Richmond Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 12.

The shop has since reopened and environmental officers have continued to work with owner Mr Waqar to maintain standards.