An infestation of mice has forced a branch of Subway to close its doors.

A statement from Dover District Council confirmed the rodents were discovered during an inspection by environmental health officers on Wednesday following a complaint from a member of the public.

The restaurant, at Honeywood Parkway, Whitfield, has been closed since the inspector served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice that day.

KentOnline became aware of it when we saw the listing on court papers.

Today a Margate magistrate made the notice an Order of the Court.

The venue must remain closed until the owners can demonstrate health risks have improved.

The branch, at the new White Cliffs Business Park, is franchised by Broadstairs Trading Ltd.

We understand this is a different owner to the town's two other Subway stores in Biggin Street and Aycliffe.

A spokesman from Dover District Council said: "We can confirm that on January 9 Environmental Health Officers at Dover District Council conducted a food hygiene inspection at Subway on Honeywood Parkway, Whitfield, following a complaint from a member of the public.

"During the inspection, an infestation of mice was found, and a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served."

He added: "The Notice prohibited the operation of the premises as a food business at that time.

"The case was presented at Margate Magistrates Court today by Environmental Health, where the notice was made an Order of the Court.

"The premises cannot be reopened until the food business operator can demonstrate that appropriate controls have been put in place to remove the health risk conditions found.

A Subway spokesman said: "We have clear expectations and procedures in place to ensure that stores meet our high food safety standards.

"Immediate action has been taken to swiftly resolve the issues highlighted, including the temporary closure of the store to allow for a thorough deep clean, and the franchisee looks forward to opening again soon."