A pizza joint has been temporarily closed after a horrified couple found a cockroach wriggling in their takeaway.

Chay Watts, Cara Powell and their four-year-old son Jody were tucking into their Half and Half they ordered from Pizza Hut when they had the nasty surprise on Tuesday (September 15).

The couple, from Yiewsley in West Drayton, are concerned now for the health of their son, who became ill the morning after eating the infested meal on Wednesday (September 16).

Ms Powell has since spotted the Pizza Hut Delivery branch they visited in High Street, Yiewsley, has closed, with a notice up on the door.

The notice said the closure was for an "oven breakdown", but getwestlondon were told an inspector had paid the branch a visit since the cockroach discovery.

Mr Watts, 27, said: “I was a bit concerned whether someone has gone down there and inspected it so I rang environmental health this morning [Friday] and I told them someone needs to get down there ASAP in case they're trying to clear something up.

“I think it's a bit suspicious the way they've done it, putting a note up saying the oven is broken. It's a bit funny.”

Cara Powell and Chay Watts found a cockroach in their West Drayton Pizza Hut takeaway

'Stool sample'

The concerned dad has been in touch with Pizza Hut's Head Office, who apologised and offered a refund for the £9.99 pizza.

“I said no, it's gone past the refund now, I want compensation," he said. "I'm worried about Jody, he's my world. He was sick the next morning and has had a temperature.”

Four-year-old Jody's parents have taken their son to the doctors and will be sending off a stool sample to test for bacteria.

Mr Watts added: “They need a stool sample to prove it was the pizza that made him ill so I'm getting that done today.

“I want to see if it's linked and if it is I will take legal action. It's just not acceptable. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.”

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut Delivery said: "Health and safety is of the utmost importance to Pizza Hut Delivery and we are committed to maintaining high standards in all our branches. This particular branch has a five-star hygiene rating.

"Our independent inspectors EcoLab visited the Hut and found no evidence of any pest activity. However, as per our standard procedure, we are undertaking precautionary measures at this particular Hut to ensure we continue to meet our stringent levels of hygiene.

"We are in regular communication with the customers in this particular case, but cannot provide further comment at this time on any personal details."