A fish and chip shop has been shut down over conditions that "posed an imminent risk" to health.

An inspection at Harbour Fish Bar in Ramsgate last week found water "of an unknown source" leaking into the food preparation room, creating "a serious risk of contamination of food".

The inspection was carried out at the premises, which sits by the seafront on the corner of Harbour Street, on Wednesday, February 9.

A 'hygiene emergency prohibition order' issued by Margate Magistrates' Court was later taped to the front of Harbour Fish Bar.

It reads: "The court is satisfied that at the time of inspection on February 9 there was water of an unknown source leaking into the main preparation food room of the premises and flooding to the floor which created a serious risk of contamination of food.

"These conditions posed an imminent risk of injury to health and the court hereby makes a hygiene emergency prohibition order prohibiting the use of the premises, the processes and the equipment at the premises from February 9 until such time as the Thanet District Council issues a certificate to the effect that there no longer exists an imminent risk of injury to health at the premises."

A Thanet District Council spokesperson said the notice had been served by the authority's public protection team under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, following "confirmed reports of an imminent risk to health".

The hygiene emergency prohibition order was then granted by Margate Magistratess Court on Friday, February 11.

They added: "The premises is now closed pending the completion of a schedule of improvement works outlined by council officers, which must be completed before we will consider allowing the premises to reopen.

"The premises will be subject to reinspection and officers must be satisfied that the risks to public health have been adequately addressed."

Harbour Fish Bar was approached for a response.