A Hampshire Chinese takeaway where a chicken was found defrosting in a bucket (below) has been described by a health inspector as one of the dirtiest he had ever seen.

Daily Echo:

The Tiger King in Albert Road, Southsea, Hampshire, was found to have a staff toilet with no seat or hand-washing facilities, mouse droppings on the floor, food on low, dirty shelves and filthy cloths on dirty work surfaces.

A Portsmouth City Council spokeswoman said that the former owner, Daniel Fan, was banned from owning and running a food business until further notice by Portsmouth magistrates.

He was also fined £5,000 and ordered to pay nearly £1,400 in costs.

Richard Lee, environmental health manager at Portsmouth City Council, said: ''The problems we found at Tiger King were some of the worst we've ever encountered.

Daily Echo:

''The deterioration in the standards was considerable over a short period of time.

"The operator was putting the health of his customers at considerable risk and consequently I'm pleased with the decision of the court.

''The decision to ban the operator from running a food business is evidence of just how appalling the conditions were and how he failed to make improvements when required.

"This is only the third occasion in Portsmouth that such powers have been used.''