Mouse droppings and live cockroaches were among the vile discoveries uncovered at two takeaways in the Ealing borough.

Two restaurants, in Acton and Greenford, were temporarily shut down by Ealing Council.

The council’s food safety officers visited The Chicken Spot in Horn Lane, Acton, last month. They found cockroaches in the kitchen and basement as well as chicken meat left exposed and flour stored in open bags. It was immediately closed.

Wong’s, in Greenford Road, Greenford, received an unannounced inspection in December following a complaint from a member of the public. Officers discovered surfaces and kitchen equipment covered in mouse droppings. There were also dirty clothes left on kitchen surfaces and saucepan lids in a basin for washing hands.

It was allowed to reopen two days after the December 10 visit, after a follow-up inspection was satisfied extensive cleaning and pest control had taken place.

On Thursday last week, Ealing Magistrates’ Court served The Chicken Spot with a hygiene emergency prohibition notice and ordered the owner to pay court costs of £514.74.

Ealing Council said it is working with the owner to improve food hygiene and will allow the site to reopen when it is satisfied it is no longer a health risk.

Wong’s was issued with a hygiene emergency prohibition notice and ordered to pay £443.32 towards costs.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, Ealing leader for community services and safety, said: “These two businesses had severe pest infestations, which put the public’s health at risk. Our officers will continue to carry out unannounced inspections, and shut down any food business engaging in these dangerous practices.”

Anyone concerned that a business is breaching food hygiene regulations should call the council’s food safety team on 020 8825 6666 or email foodsafety@ealing.gov.uk. Visit http://ratings.food.gov.uk/authority-search/ealing to check the hygiene rating of any food business in the borough.