Tesco Covent Garden has 'serious mouse problem'

Tesco said it was "extremely concerned" by the situation

A Tesco store in central London has a serious mouse problem, environmental health inspectors have found.

The inspectors found an infestation at Tesco Metro in Covent Garden, along with "dirty conditions".

They have ordered the store to close until a thorough clean-up has taken place and pest control measures have been taken.

A Tesco spokesman said they were "extremely concerned" by the situation.

James Armitage, Westminster Council's food health and safety manager, said: "We treat the big retail companies with exactly the same approach as small High Street traders - where public health is of concern, our action is swift and decisive.

"We can confirm that a serious mouse infestation and dirty conditions were found at the Tesco Metro in Covent Garden and we have closed the premises down until a thorough clean-up has taken place and proper pest control measures have been taken.

"The council is working with the supermarket chain to establish a timetable for the work to take place."

A Tesco spokesman said: "We insist on the highest standards of hygiene in our stores and are extremely concerned by this incident, which we are confident was isolated.

"The Covent Garden store is temporarily closed and we are taking urgent steps to deal with the problem.

"We apologise to our customers for not meeting our own very high standards on this occasion."