Rat droppings, a ‘strong urine odour’ and dead flies were found at a Southampton restaurant slapped with a zero hygiene rating.

Health inspectors found the restaurant on Shirley Road had a rat problem for some time and urged staff at the middle eastern takeaway to take action.

Old rat droppings were found in many areas throughout the establishment, including underneath the tandoori oven, according to the inspection report.

Under the oven, inspectors also found a hole in the wall with an empty bait tray next to it, which had been left by a pest controller.

Behind the equipment, grease marks caused by a rat’s fur rubbing on the walls and pipes were also seen.

More rat droppings and a ‘strong urine odour’ were also discovered in one of the storerooms.

The report highlighted ‘a serious fly problem’ which is clearly visible to customers walking into the restaurant.

It said: "Evidence of flies was found in the electric fly zapper, which was full of fly debris and bodies, indicating a serious fly problem inside your food business and is clearly visible to all customers entering your business to order food.

"These pests carry food poisoning bacteria and can contaminate food and food surfaces that they land on."

As a remedy, the restaurant is to keep its front door and windows closed or insect-proof screens should be installed, the report said.

It also outlined a number of corrections which must be addressed immediately and maintained.

The report said: “A thorough cleansing and deep clean of your entire food business must be undertaken to ensure your premises is not only visibly clean but hygienically clean."

It also added: "Remove all old droppings from the premises, clean all areas with grease marks and gnawing signs and monitor at floor/wall level and behind equipment on a daily basis."

According to Google, the takeaway opens at 12pm - but when our reporter visited to speak to the management yesterday for a comment it was closed.