A RAT-INFESTED take-away has been closed down after council officers found appalling conditions in the shop.

The Classic Parmesan House, in Bishopton Road, Stockton, was closed yesterday after officers from Stockton Borough Council's environment and technical services department were granted an emergency prohibition closure order by Teesside magistrates.

The officers alleged that shop proprietor Riaz Ahmed had allowed rat infestation and filthy conditions at the shop.

Officers found the accumulation of dirt, grease and food debris posed a real risk of injury to health and food contamination.

The court ordered that food should not be prepared or served anywhere in the premises.