A corner shop has been closed after health inspectors discovered a rat infestation.

Oxford City Council officers found the rats at Port Meadow Convenience Store in Godstow Road, Wolvercote, and immediately issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

The notice says the shop "poses an imminent risk of injury to health" as "there is evidence of a serious rat infestation throughout the premises".

It adds: "Rat droppings were evident throughout the rear storage rooms and there was evidence of damaged ready to eat food and drink packaging.

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"Some of the packaging was clearly contaminated with droppings."

It says "gnawed packets of food" were found in the rear store.

Oxford Mail: The notice The notice (Image: Contributed)Canned and bottled drinks were stored outside in the side garden and rear yard "where there was also evidence of significant rat activity".

A spokesperson for Oxford City Council said: "We can confirm that the attached has been served and we are due in court on Thursday this week, for the magistrates to confirm the action the council has taken."