A rat infestation has prompted the temporary closure of a Morrisons supermarket in east London.

According to reports, mice and rats were found at the store in Chingford, Waltham Forest, which is close to Banbury Reservoir and the River Lea.

According to the food safety and hygiene team of Waltham Forest Council, the Chingford Store had "active rat and active mouse infestations" and "very poor" cleaning standards. Additionally, it indicated "localized flooding" and "leaking water" inside the structure.

The store was shut on Wednesday and a notice was shared on social media.

A spokesperson for Morrisons said pest control had been brought in and the company hoped to “open again very soon”.

Khevyn Limbajee, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, said a court hearing is “due imminently”.

He said in a statement: “Under food hygiene regulations the council has served a hygiene emergency prohibition notice to temporarily close the Morrisons store in Chingford. A court hearing is due imminently. We are unable to comment further at this time.”

The spokesperson for Morrisons added: “Following a visit from the local council, our Chingford store has been closed.

“We have Rentokil on site now to investigate the reported pest issue and hopefully we’ll have the store open again very soon.”

No reopening date has been given by either the council or Morrisons.