FOOD safety experts were called in to investigate a Hampshire kebab shop after a passer-by spotted a rat in the window.

When they took a closer look at The Kebab House in Lyndhurst, they shut it down immediately.

Rodent smear marks, body hairs, droppings and gnawed plastic bags were all found inside.

There were even footprints where rats had been scurrying around the dusty floor of an electrical cupboard.

A senior New Forest District Councillor later described the state of the takeaway as “disgusting” and “alien to the high standards” of the area.

Now pest-free, the Kebab House in High Street has been reopened – but its owner admitted an environmental health charge and was fined £1,000.

Salih Cetin pleaded guilty to failing to take adequate procedures to prevent the access of pests into his food shop when he appeared before New Forest magistrates.

The hearing was told that a member of the public spotted a rat in the window of The Kebab House on the afternoon of October 17.

Two food safety officers from New Forest District Council examined the building the next day – and immediately called for it to be closed to protect public health.

Mr Cetin co-operated and stopped trading for three days while the pests were removed.

Councillor Maureen Holding, New Forest District Council’s employment, health and wellbeing boss, said: “I was dismayed to hear about the disgusting state of the Lyndhurst Kebab House. This area has some excellent restaurants and hotels which work in pristine conditions.

“This Kebab House premises is totally alien to the high standards of the Forest.

“NFDC food safety officers and the council’s legal services took appropriate action and not only closed the premises immediately to protect public health but took the owner to court.

“I am pleased that the serious nature of the offence was confirmed by the court and that the owner was fined.”

Mr Cetin was also ordered to pay costs of £450.